Religious leaders sign commitment declaration on child protection
Various faith leaders in the country have today renewed their commitment to ensuring protection of children within faith institutions, structures and communities.
The leaders earlier today met with the UNICEF Country Representative, Rudolf Schwenk in Lilongwe.
According to a UNICEF Tweet, Schwenk and the faith leaders met to discussed how to strengthen collaboration on child protection towards ensuring every child in Malawi lives and grows in an environment free of violence, exploitation and abuse.
The faith leaders have since signed a declaration of the commitment.
Speaking during the event Schwenk highlighted that 2 in 3 children in Malawi experience violence in their childhood.
“Through their messages, teachings and duties, religious leaders can create a safe environment where children can learn and grow freely,” Schenk said.
Of late there have been cases of sexual abuse perpetrated by some faith leaders and others by other children in religious institutions.
The development has been a cause for public concern, as society has perceived faith leaders a place of solace for victims and survivors of such ills.
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