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Kinyarwanda
Police in Kirehe District have reminded parents and guardians that they're the first in the protection of children.
They were also warned against abusing the rights of children.
The laws define a child as a person who has not attained eighteen years of age.
While addressing hundreds of residents of Mubuga Sector recently, the District Police Commander, Supt. James Rutaremara, warned parents against child negligence, which is a crime punishable by the law.
He cited the ministerial Order providing sanctions against parents who do not send their children to school and employ minors or use them in exploitative activities, which amounts to child labour.
“Send children to school, teach them good values and give them parental care. This will contribute in preventing young people from engaging in inappropriate behavior and illegal activities like abusing drugs,” he said.
The meetings are aimed at sharing views on the current situation about commitments of heads of families to take on their responsibilities in providing for their members and children in particular as well as devising solutions to the abuses children encounter.
The DPC observed that child negligence or lack of proper follow up is one of the reasons as to why children are exposed, sexually assaulted while roaming in communities sometimes at night.
He further appealed to the public to stand up against child abuse and report all forms of abuse to ensure that abusers face justice.
Local leaders were also urged to ensure parents violating child rights are reported to facilitate police investigations.
“The economic development of any country greatly depends on its youth as a driving force; as such everything should be done to safeguard children since this is also among government priorities,” he said.
He gave them different lines including 116 child help line, 3029 for Isange One Stop Centers and 112 for emergency, all toll-free lines, which they can call to report cases of child abuse and for quick intervention.
