Worldwide child welfare organizations have warned that the COVID-19 lockdown measures will increase cases of child maltreatment. The sexual, physical and emotional abuse and neglect of any person under the age of 18 will be amongst other cases which would surge.
If these forecasts become a reality, the additional cases of child maltreatment will be costly. This was revealed by on one of the columns by Elisabetta De CAO in VOX, CEPR Policy Portal, written on 08 May 2020. The column was published just before the world observes Child Protection Week (CPW) from the 31 of May to the 7th of June.
This year’s campaign of Child Protection Week seeks to create greater awareness of the risks that children face in these uncertain times. The campaign will be engaging families and communities to take a stand against any form of child abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Therefore, the celebration of CPW this year will change in terms of how this campaign is usually observed. School closures, restrictions on movements of children between caregivers and the child’s right will disrupt children’s routine. This campaign has been commemorated for the past 23 years here in South Africa.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread across SA causing disruptions in family’s life. Meanwhile concerns about the safety and wellbeing of children has significantly increased with many of them currently being vulnerable.
The lockdown has amongst others affected the basic rights of the children including but not limited, right to life, nutrition, education and freedom of movement. Gauteng Department of Social Development Deputy Director Busi Kheswa encouraged members of the public to report cases of child abuse in their communities.
“We encourage community members to report any of the above to nearest police station, social development offices, designated child protection organizations, such as Child Line, neighbours, trusted family member,” said Kheswa.
She added said that everyone must play part to keep children’s safe during this lockdown.
“Children safety should be everyone’s business and we should all be at the forefront to prevent and stop it from recurring. Government cannot do it alone, social care and health care providers, law enforcement agencies and Department of Justice and Correctional Services play a critical role in ensuring that our children are indeed in safe hands and safer spaces.” said Kheswa.
