World Vision Zambia urges Harsher Punishments for Child Defilers.
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The surge in these cases has sparked widespread alarm, with some activists and community leaders calling for more stringent penalties, including chemical castration for convicted offenders.
Others warn that if immediate action is not taken, the country’s efforts to protect children from violence may be severely undermined.
In 2020, Zambia became a pathfinding country in the global initiative to end violence against children. This commitment aimed to raise awareness, develop action plans, and promote leadership in child protection.
However, the current spike in sexual abuse cases threatens to derail these efforts, drawing Zambia backward in its progress.
One of the most vocal advocates for stronger action is World Vision Zambia, which has expressed concern over the limited number of convictions for defilement cases.
According to Integrated Programs Director Wezi Kaira, the justice system needs to impose harsher sentences on perpetrators to deter further crimes and ensure they have time to reflect and reform while serving their penalties.
“We want to see more convictions of those who defile children,” said Kaira. “The sentences must be severe enough to make perpetrators rethink their actions and for society to take these crimes seriously.”
Beyond tougher penalties, Mr. Kaira has also urged the government to increase funding for services that support survivors of sexual abuse.
He has proposed that the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) be allocated to provide essential services such as counseling, medical assistance, and legal support for victims.
“It is disheartening to see perpetrators arrested, only for their cases to yield little to no action in court,” he lamented.
Mr. Kaira has further expressed outrage at recent cases, including one where children in an orphanage, supposed to be a place of refuge, were subjected to abuse.
“One case of child abuse is already too many. The fact that we are seeing multiple cases involving people who are supposed to be protectors, parents, guardians, and community leaders is an absolute travesty.”
While condemning the rise in sexual violence against children, Mr. Kaira also took a moment to commend the media for shedding light on these cases. “What we are seeing in the news is just the tip of the iceberg,” he stated. “I implore journalists to continue reporting on these issues because awareness is crucial in mobilizing communities to protect children.”
However, he has also emphasized the need for ethical reporting on such sensitive issues.
“We have seen instances, especially on social media, where the identities of child survivors have been exposed. This further traumatizes them and puts them at risk of stigma. Media houses must train journalists on how to report ethically, ensuring children’s privacy is protected.”
Zambia has made strides in strengthening policies and laws to protect children. The Children’s Code Bill was introduced to consolidate all laws governing child welfare, ensuring a uniform definition of a child and strengthening protections against abuse.
Other key legal frameworks include the Education Act, the National Child Policy, the Anti-Gender-Based Violence Act, and the Re-entry Policy. These measures seek to prevent abuse, protect survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable.
Despite these efforts, the rising cases of defilement underscore the need for urgent action.
Stakeholders have continued to call for stronger enforcement of existing laws, increased community sensitization, and better support systems for survivors.
As the nation grapples with this crisis, one thing remains clear: protecting children is a moral, legal, and social imperative. Zambia must act swiftly and decisively to ensure that every child is safe, respected, and free from harm.
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