The International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) has called for a policy framework to safeguard children.
During the commemoration of the Day of the African Child (DAC) today Director of IPSTC Brigadier Joyce Sitieni stated that there is a need to achieve a national legislative and policy framework in Kenya that continues to be favourable for children.
“In line with IPSTC’s Strategic Plan 2020 – 2023, the aim of the outreach campaign is to provide a platform that will influence strategic and operational level decision-making to enhance planning and management of peace and security issues relating to child protection,” she said.
Sitieni further highlighted that IPSTC seeks to showcase the Centre’s activities thereby increasing its visibility to stakeholders and partners.
“We will provide a forum to directly impact the lives of children at risk and foster strategic partnerships with like-minded institutions,” she said.
Representative of the Principal secretary state department for early learning and basic education Hassan Duale also noted the Kenyan Government has so far developed and adopted policies and enacted laws to protect children.
“However, thousands are still exposed to violence and abuse, harmful practices, lack of parental care and sexual exploitation, children also face specific risks during and after emergencies such as floods, droughts, conflicts or epidemics,” he said.
Duale adds that there is an emerging threat for children is online abuse and exploitation.
“Our government has strong legal and policy framework to protect children, the Constitution of Kenya (Article 53) recognizes the right of all children to be protected from abuse, neglect, harmful cultural practices, all forms of violence, inhumane treatment and punishment, and hazardous or exploitative labour amongst others,” he said.
The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa famously known as the Maputo Protocol indicates that harmful practices negatively affect the fundamental rights of women and girls, such as their right to life, health, dignity, education and physical integrity.
