measures.Diversion of children away from formal court proceedings should be
introduced to ensure that detention remains an option of last resort.
Harmful Traditional Practices
31. From the State Party report and during the constructive dialogue it was noted
that there are some communities, including refugees and migrants, who still
perform some harmful traditional practices. Thus, the Committee recommends
the State Party undertake appropriate legislative and administrative measures,
including awareness creation,against the damaging effects of such harmful
traditional practices which include child marriage and killing of children with
albinism for their body parts.
Sale, Trafficking and Abduction
32. It has been reported that internal and external trafficking of children for purposes
of sexual exploitation, andhigh rate of child prostitution exist in cities like Maputo,
Beira and Napula. It is also reported that children who drop out of school engage
in begging and are exposed to sexual exploitation. It is indicated that their
situation is aggravated due to cross-border trade, and that children from Malawi,
Zambia and Zimbabwe, are being trafficked to Mozambique for sexual
exploitation. Hence, the Committee recommends the State Party to strengthen
the capacity and mechanisms through inspection of formal and informal tourist
destinations and hotels, public disclosure of information about the perpetrators
and holding them accountable, sensitization of families, communities, private
sector and the general public to protect children against any form of sale,
trafficking and exploitation.
Children of Imprisoned Mothers
33. Appreciating the special treatment for expectant mothers and mothers with
children as indicated in the State Party report, the Committee further urges the
State Party to consult General Comment No.1 of the ACERWC on Article 30 of
the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. The Committee
recommends for the Government to extend the special treatment for
mothersbeginning from arrest, up to the ultimate conviction, sentencing,
imprisonment and reintegration phase of the criminal justice process.
Responsibility of the Child
34. The Committee appreciates the State Party for dedicating a specific provision on
child responsibility under its Law on the Promotion and Protection of Children’s
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