SOUTHERN PROVINCE

NYARUGURU – Parents and local leaders in Rwanda have been cautioned against mistreating children and violating their rights.

This was the message of Actionaid-Rwanda, during celebrations to mark the day of the African Child in Nyaruguru District on Tuesday.

While addressing children, educators and parents at Ruheru Sector, the Actionaid-Rwanda Programme Development Manager, Joel Nsengiyumva, observed that some people violate the rights of children by subjecting them to hard labour.

Ruheru sector was cited as one of the areas where children are employed in tea plantations.

"Fighting for children’s rights should not be limited to hunting for children who dropped out of schools, but also deal with people who are exploiting children.

As such society should  take strong measures against them,” Nsengiyumva said, calling for specialised tribunals to handle child crimes and gender based violence. 

As part of the celebrations, which were organised in collaboration with the district authorities, children involved in anti-violence clubs supported by Actionaid in Ruheru primary schools, were awarded with scholastic and other assorted materials.

The best five girls in traditional dance, drama, drawing and paintings competitions were also rewarded.   

Marie Josée Murekesoni, a P4 pupil at G.S Ruheru thanked Actionaid for the prizes and affirmed their commitment to stemming violation of children’s rights through female anti-violence clubs.

"Anti-violence clubs gives platform to pupils to discus their rights and contribute to the eradication of violence against children,” she said.

The programme manager added that their awareness efforts have led to positive achievements as some women and girls are able to freely report cases of abuse against them and their neighbours.

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