CAPE TOWN, October 19 (ANA )- The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on Thursday said it was engaging with the Commission for Gender Equality (the CGE) to enable the creation of a safe learning environment for pupils across the country.
The engagement followed recent shocking reports of sexual violence against children in schools nationally.
This includes concerns that 87 children were molested, sexually harassed or otherwise sexually assaulted by a 57-year old school patroller at AB Xuma Primary School in Soweto.
The SAHRC said it was deeply concerned that the abuse occurred over such a long period of time. Children, it said, reported that they were sexually abused and school authorities were either not aware of or ignored the then ongoing abuse.
The human rights commission and the CGE intended to work with the Department of Basic Education and communities in creating a safe learning environments for learners in schools and the communities where they live.
The Commission further condemned any violence and particularly violence against women, girls, and children.
“Although we have done this before, we continue to call upon all men and women to join forces to fight this scourge. The issue of violence against children is a huge concern to me,” said Angie Makwetla, the SAHRC commissioner responsible for children’s rights.
“As the commissioner responsible for children’s rights I feel very strongly that all officials who are tasked with looking after children need to sit around the table and come up with strategies whereby they hold one another accountable for what is happening to our children. A lot of work needs to be done in changing society’s attitudes to children. Parents need to be empowered and made aware of the rights of their children at all times and under all circumstances.”
– African News Agency (ANA)
