AMECEA vice chairman calls for protection of minors against child trafficking, child labour and children soldiers

The Vice Chairman of Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), Most Rev. Thomas Luke Msusa, also the Archbishop of Blantayre in Malawi, has exhorted African bishops to root out for causes of child trafficking, child labour and children soldier to ensure that children are well protected in all aspects.

Archbishop Msusa made the appeal on July 23, while addressing journalists at a press briefing of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), which is underway at Munyonyo Speke Resort.

He said that protection of minors is an integral part of the Gospel message hence there is need to create a safe environment for them, giving priority to their interests.

“As AMECEA we recognize the issue of safeguarding minors. We say, Africa as a Church is a family which comprises of a father, mother and children but there is a challenge. In some situations, Africa has not taken care of her children. It may not be the issue of sexual abuse of minors only but, when you look at Africa there is the challenge of Children who are being trained as child soldiers, who are being trained to fight; there is the issue of child trafficking where children are taken out of their families to be sold somewhere; there is also the issue of child labour,” Archbishop Msusa said.

He called for the African bishops to safe the rights of children and monitor child abuse noting, “It is a challenge that we have accepted and promised that we are going to do our best as a Church in Africa to ensure that the children are well protected in all aspects.”

The issue was one of many outlined in one of the presentations to better protect children’s rights on July 23, as SECAM delegates met for their Study session.

Child trafficking, child labour and the issue of child soldier continue to persist in many parts of the world, despite laws against it. For its part, last year Vatican published guidelines and legislation to address this issue, aiming to reduce the number of cases.

The Holy See legislation sets out a statute of limitations of 20 years, for crimes against a minor which begins when they reach the age of 18. The guidelines say that the Vicar General must appoint a contact person for the Protection of Minors to coordinate and verify implementation of guidelines and calls for pastoral workers to be “adequately trained in the risks of child exploitation”.

The new law says that “without prejudice to the sacramental seal” any person who is aware of conduct to the detriment of a minor may file a report. It establishes an accompanying service to offer a service of listening and provide medical, psychological, and social services for victims. The service will also help victims understand and vindicate their rights, and assist them in going to the authorities.

The gospel recommends us to love our neighbours as we love ourselves, children are equally our neighbours so we are obliged to love them and to defend them against any possible exploitation.

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By Jacinta W. Odongo, Media Officer, Uganda Episcopal Conference