RWAMAGANA – The Rwanda Women Net-work, has urged residents in Rwamagana District to respect children’s rights.
Annonciete Mukayitete, made the remarks while addressing Musha and Fumbwe sector residents who were attending a child rights awareness workshop, at Rwamagana Primary School on Tuesday.

Children’s rights are enshrined in the constitution and parents have the responsibility to defend them, Mukayitete said.

Participants brainstormed on how best to defend children from sexual abuse.

The officials noted that cases of child abuse have dwindled due to increased awareness campaigns.

"It is true that some children are still subjected to various forms of abuse, but the magnitude of the offences has been drastically reduced.

Some children can now be accorded protection from society. Generally those who previously were more inclined towards abusing such minors have resorted to exercising self restraint,” the women leaders said.

"Our society has been ineffective previously in preventing, identifying and responding to the abuse and neglect of children.

Yet such actions can impact negatively on such children including within generations to follow,” they said.

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