violence by the time they attain majority; and 1 in 5 females experience coerced sex
before the age of eighteen. In this regard, the Committee urges the State Party to
undertake national campaign to end sexual violence against girls. The Committee
further encourages the State Party to ensure the effective implementation of the
Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act.
Refugee and migrant children
48. The Committee notes with appreciation the legislative and institutional measures
taken to protect children on the move, notably the Immigration Act, the People
Trafficking and People Smuggling Act 2009 and the provision of services by social
workers and police to displaced children. However, the Committee notes that more
needs to be done to ensure that the rights and welfare of refugee and migrant children
are protected. The Committee recommends the State Party to undertake the following
measures.
i.
Provide educational and health services for refugee children and ensure the reintegration of refugee children into the community;
ii.
Ensure that children born from migrant and refugee parents receive the same
protection as that of children from Swazi parents;
iii.
Ensure that displaced children are protected from abuse and exploitation and
provide rehabilitation and psychosocial support to refugee children who are in
need;
iv.
Provide birth registration and identification services for migrant and refugee
children; and
v.
Put in place family reunification programs for children separated from their
parents and caregivers; and
vi.
Ensure that children who cannot be reunited with their parents/caregivers are
placed in an alternative care environment.
Children in conflict with the law
49. The Committee notes with appreciation that the minimum age of criminal responsibility
is set at the age of 12 years. The Committee further notes with appreciation the
establishment a child- friendly court to protect the rights of children through the
designation of all magistrate courts as children’s courts. The Committee encourages
the State Party to strengthen the capacity of these courts and increase their number
in rural areas. The Committee further encourages the State Party to conduct trainings
to magistrates and judges on children’s rights.
50. The Committee notes with concern the lack of adequate places of safety for children
in conflict with the law. The Committee recommends the State Party to allocate the
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