SOUTHERN PROVINCE

RUHANGO — Over 200 children from all sectors of Ruhango district have been trained on basic child rights to  protect them against child abuse.

The two-day training conducted at Ruhango cultural centre ended on August 5. It was sponsored by UNICEF aimed at assessing the role of the child in responding to surrounding issues.

According to district officials, the training will help children respond to the increasing cases of child abuse and violence in the area.

"It is important for children to know the laws protecting them from abuse and violence so that they can stand up against the increasing trends of child HIV infection, drug use, increasing street children, school dropouts, and child labour,” said Vedaste Mugemanyi, the district vice Mayor.

Mugemanyi explained that children problems can be addressed by sending them to school, parents valuing the rights of the child and strict measures on defiant adults.

The participants were equipped with skills in various laws protecting children, children’s role in combating HIV/Aids, implementation of child protection activities in district development programmes and the challenges of implementing child protection laws.

During the training, children pointed out various concerns that need to be addressed. These include; violating child rights to education, and taking children off streets among others.

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