especially for pedophilia and children being used to traffic drugs across borders. Other
cross border issues are: Sexual abuse especially in charitable institutions where visitors
and staff abuse children. Parents allowing their children to engage in commercial sex
work especially in the Coastal areas where visitors sexually abuse them.
Some of the challenges in addressing these cross-border issues have been: the lack of
proper systems and referral mechanisms that result in people not knowing where to refer
children’s cases to. What makes things more challenging is that children’s matters are
handled differently within regions in Kenya. There is a lack of information sharing or
centralized databases relating to children and law enforcement officers don’t share
information with stakeholders and relevant staff within their department. Kenya does
however have opportunities that it can build on to address cross border issues. An
example is the establishment of one stop border control points that ensures more security
and checks as well as enhanced border patrols. There is a requirement now that the
Director of Children’s services in Kenya must provide a letter of no objection for a child to
leave the Country which has helped to minimize trafficking. The establishment of a Child
Protection team that brings together various stakeholders to discuss and address issues
relating to children within Kenya has also helped with coordination and implementation.
There is also a forum that has been set up to address cross border issues.
The presenter concluded by saying that Kenya has beautiful laws, guidelines and policies
but sometimes these are not implemented. There is a cybercrimes unit at the Police where
there is an officer to address children’s issues and trainings have been provided but there
are still challenges with implementation.
Tanzania’s Practices on Cross Border Issues Affecting Children’s Rights:
Challenges and Opportunities – Presentation by Mr. Kabyemela S. Lushagara
The presenter shared that Tanzania has similar cross border issues affecting children.
Tanzania is committed to the protection of children’s rights as demonstrated by their
ratification of both the UNCRC and the ACC, children are mentioned in Tanzania’s
constitution and several laws have been enacted including anti trafficking laws, the Law
of the Child Act, the Disabilities act etc. There is also a five-year national plan to end
Violence Against Children and Women.
Tanzania shares eight borders with its neighbors. While from an economic perspective it
is a blessing, from a child rights perspective, it is a challenge. Political instability and
conflict in neighboring countries of Rwanda, Burundi and Congo affect Tanzania.
The main way that Tanzania has tried to address cross border issues is by enacting
legislation and providing training to the Police for example on recognizing trafficking,
strengthening the child justice system and providing legal aid. Efforts are being made to
increase birth registration in collaboration with UNICEF. Additionally, there is a
cybercrime unit and Gender and Children’s Desks that addresses children’s issues. While
these efforts are commendable, there is still a lot to be done to protect children. There
are still problems with harmonization of laws to address the cross-border issues affecting