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Dr David Parirenyatwa

Herald Reporters
Government remains committed to protecting and upholding children’s rights to make the country a better place for them. Speaking during commemorations to mark the International Day of the Child in Harare on Thursday, Health and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa said the re-alignment of laws with the new Constitution would go a long way in safeguarding the rights of children.

“As a State, let us put great commitment to the well-being of our children by creating supportive and child-friendly environments. This is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.

Dr Parirenyatwa urged the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to revive the schools health programme that entailed regular medical check-ups on pupils by health professionals.

“This programme was very useful as it enabled us to pick cases of children who were not developing well. In boys this is where we would pick cases of those whose testes had not descended,” he said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Dr Sylvia Utete-Masango said the increase in cases of child abuse was worrying.

Dr Masango said Government would strengthen guidance and counselling programmes in schools. She urged parents to play their role in nurturing children.

The International Day of the Child is celebrated every year since 1989.

This year’s event was celebrated under the theme “My constitution my right: Creating supportive child friendly environments”.

UNICEF country representative Mr Raza Hossain said the world was now a better place for children.