Gicumbi in bid to trace parents of abandoned children

Local authorities in Bukure Sector, Gicumbi District, are in the process of tracking down parents of children born out wedlock. Local leaders said the move aims at enabling children born under such circumstances to enjoy their rights and parental care. The local authorities estimate that over 80 percent of children born in such situations do not get a chance to know their biological mothers or fathers. Anselme Niyonzima, an official in charge of social affairs in the area, said the search which kicked off on Monday would also involve a campaign against adultery. “The exercise began with the registration of single mothers, where we ask them to disclose their children’s fathers,” said Niyonzima. Niyonzima said some of the men acknowledged their abandoned children when approached by the local authorities while others denied them. “Some denied them because they are already married and others are youth who feel they can’t afford taking care of children, but a good number acknowledged and welcomed their children,” said Niyonzima. In an interview, some married men who denied fathering other children, said some women merely frame men after failing to authenticate those responsible for their pregnancies. “I have been married for six years and here comes a lady saying that I am the father of her son after all these years, should I just admit it? Even if we were friends years back, I had no prior knowledge of the kid,” Jean Paul Habimana protested. Niyonzima disclosed that they managed to trace the fathers of 180 children but the identities of 20 others are still unclear. Ends

National

Gicumbi in bid to trace parents of abandoned children