International Children’s Day 2023: An Urgent Call to End Harmful Practices

International Children’s Day is celebrated on June 1st every year to raise awareness about the pressing issues that children face worldwide. This day serves as a reminder of the ongoing global commitment to ensuring the well-being of children.

Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children

The theme for this year’s International Children’s Day is “Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children.” This theme highlights the need to eradicate practices that rob children of their childhood, limit their potential, and harm their physical and emotional well-being. These harmful practices include child marriage, forced marriage, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), breast flattening, hate crimes, child abuse linked to faith or belief, and honor-based abuse.

The Urgent Need to Protect Children

Such practices persist as societal norms that involve violence and cause physical and psychological suffering. They are often imposed based on sex, gender, or age, perpetuating discrimination and inequality within communities. To protect children from these harmful practices, South Africa’s Department of Social Development, along with other organizations and individuals worldwide, is urging all social partners, parents, caregivers, and civil society organizations to take action.

The Legal Framework for Child Protection

South Africa’s Constitution, the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, and other international instruments provide the legal framework to safeguard children. The Children’s Act specifically outlines the rights of children to be protected from social, cultural, and religious practices that may be detrimental to their well-being. It prohibits child marriage, genital mutilation or circumcision of female children, and virginity testing for children under 18.

The Need for Comprehensive Protection Measures

The South African government has launched the Child Protection Week campaign under the theme “Let us Protect Children during COVID-19 and Beyond.” This initiative seeks to amplify the need for comprehensive protection measures while navigating the challenges brought by the pandemic.

A Call to Action

As we celebrate International Children’s Day on June 3rd, 2023, in De Aar, Northern Cape, we must remember our collective responsibility to safeguard the rights, welfare, and potential of every child. By raising awareness and taking action against harmful practices, we can create a brighter future where children are protected, empowered, and free to achieve their full potential.