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| National |
| Ministry to hold meeting on violence against children |
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by
Amos Gumulira, 02 May 2005
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11:19:55
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Minister of Gender, Children Welfare and Community Services Joyce Banda has described escalating violence against children in the country as a foreign phenomenon and said her ministry will soon hold a meeting with stakeholders in Lilongwe on how to curb the practice.
The minister was speaking on Friday at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe after she visited Luka Bikhaele, the boy whose private parts were cut off by thugs at Chinsapo 1 two weeks ago.
Banda thanked the media for exposing the crime.
“We are suspicious that it may not be Malawians. May be foreigners. I still believe in my mind that violence against our children is a foreign phenomenon because as Malawians we are known for being polite, caring, supportive and warm behaviour even in the most trying times.
“And now you begin to wonder, how have all these attributes evaporated and why?” said Banda.
The minister cited another boy who had his ears cut off by thugs in Mchinji last week. She also mentioned Chiradzulu where women were reportedly killed.
“I feel very sad about what is happening in our country. All of a sudden we are experiencing a very sharp rise in criminal activity especially that related to children”, she said.
Banda said the meeting in Lilongwe will involve police, immigration officials, media and churches and other ministries.
“I want you members of the press to take up this challenge, investigate and search for the answer, name the culprits if need be and let the Malawian nation know,” said Banda.
Meanwhile government has given Luka and his siblings educational scholarships.
Banda said the Ministry of Gender will support Luka to go to a boarding school away from his community to lessen his trauma.
She also disclosed that her ministry will appoint Luka as Malawi’s Goodwill Ambassador against Child-based Violence. |
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