efforts made to tackle abuse of children through the internet. However the
Committee observes with concern that children continue to suffer from the worst
forms of abuse. Particularly, the Committee notes the situation of migrant
children, some as young as 6 years, who are engaging in labour in busy markets
without permanent residence which leaves them sleeping on the streets exposing
themselves to exploitation and some resorting to prostitution. The Committee is
further concerned that such children rarely report instances of abuse and the
State Party currently has insufficient measures to address this. The Committee
therefore recommends that the State Party
Undertakes comprehensive measures to address issues affecting migrant
children by training labour inspectors and provide centres to house children
until reunited with their families;
Provides assistance to children from migrant households and undertake to
address issues causing their migration, and
Laws prohibiting corporal punishment are applied strictly and positive
alternatives of punishment should be developed together with campaigns on
them for parents and teachers.
Freedom of expression
17. The Committee notes with satisfaction that the Constitution and section 11 of the
Children’s Act safeguards the child’s freedom of expression and that measures
have been implemented to enable children express themselves through avenues
such as the CURIOUS MINDS and Child Rights International. The Committee
also notes the involvement of children in the formulation of policies and passage
of laws such as the Adolescent Health Policy and The Human Trafficking Act.
The Committee however observes that socially, the opinions of children are
rarely considered and children’s clubs such as the CURIOUS MINDS are not
widely known or available in underserved communities. The Committee
recommends that such measures be decentralized with the creation of children’s
clubs in all its regions. The Committee also recommends that the involvement of
children in the passage of laws and development of policies should be done
meaningfully with a view of taking their views in to consideration.
Protection of Privacy
18. On the protection of privacy, the Committee recognizes efforts of the State Party
in terms setting norms against unnecessarily disclosing the identity of children in
cases involving sexual abuse matters. However, the Committee notes that efforts
to protect the privacy of children are insufficient as the forms of abuse suffered
by children are not limited to sexual abuse. The Committee is particularly
concerned by the frequent media coverage on accusations of child witchcrafts
due to its impact on the child’s dignity and privacy. The Committee, therefore,
recommends that the State Party apply media laws strictly to protect the identity
of children when portrayed by the media. The Committee also recommends that
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