PLAN CONCERNED WITH RISING CASES OF CHILD ABUSE AT DZALEKA

By Meclina Chirwa 

Plan International Malawi has expressed worry with the increase in cases of violence against children at Dzaleka Refugee Camp.

Project Officer for Plan Malawi’s Break Free Project, Joseph Maere, said this on Wednesday during the commemoration of the Day of the African Child at Dzaleka.

According to Maere, lack of access to social services especially education among children is a big challenge which is worsened by harmful cultural practices that affect children.

Maere said Plan Malawi has been conducting interventions of improving the welfare of children and supporting local leaders to end violence against children.

In his remarks, a representative of the Dzaleka Community, Rommy Shangala, said defilement cases and child marriages are high at the camp.

He said there is need to continue raising awareness among parents on the need of protecting their children.

Dzaleka Refugee Camp has a population of about 52,000 residents.

The day was commemorated under the theme: “eliminating harmful practices affecting children.”