Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
48. The Committee is highly concemed by the lack of reliable data on the situation of
child trafficking and sale. The Committee noted from reports that there is high rate of
sexual abuse in Zimbabwe whereby females are the main victims and children between
0-5 years of age consisting 25% of the victims. Moreover, the Committee is concerned
by the fact that out of 24% reported cases between 2008 and 2010 only 8% are brought
before court of law. Henceforth, the Committee recommends the Government of
Zimbabwe to urgently undertake an action to gather data on the matter, to set in place
child friendly reporting mechanism and to create awareness, to prosecute perpetrators,
to establish rehabilitation centers for survivors, and to take all other necessary
measures in collaboration with neighboring countries to protect children from the horrific
act of trafficking, sexual exploitation and abuse.
Harmful traditional practices
49. Commending the State Party for introducing the Domestic Violence Act to prevent
and eliminate harmful traditional practices and for launching the African Union
Campaign to End Child Marriage, the Committee recommends the State Party to
continue its efforts to end child marriage and other harmful traditional practices that
affect the wellbeing of children by partnering with traditional and religious leaders,
parents, schools, and CSOs.
I. Responsibility of the child
50. The Committee calls upon the State Party to create awareness among children
regarding their responsibility towards their family, the society and the State and to
promote the responsibility of the child as it contributes to create a forum of participation
for children to be involved in matters which might affect their interests. Further, the
Committee recommends the State Party to ensure that the interpretation of the
responsibility of the child does not lead to the violation of rights of children enshrined in
the African Children's Charter.
J. Conclusion
51. The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
appreciates with satisfaction the efforts of the Government of Zimbabwe to promote and
respect the
rights
of children
and
aspires to
the
implementation
of these
recommendations. The Committee would like to indicate that it will undertake a follow
up Mission to ascertain the implementation of these recommendations in the
foreseeable future. The Committee would also like to invite the State Party to submit its
combined fourth and fifth periodic reports, which the Committee considers as the first