By Staff Writer
UNICEF has hailed Zimbabwe for passing legislation raising the age of consent for sexual relations to 18 years, thereby criminalising sexual relations of adults with children.
The organ said the gesture will contribute to a reduction of sexual abuse of children, which continues to be a concern in Zimbabwe on the back of available data suggesting that one over a third of girls experience sexual violence before the age of 18 years.
“As we applaud the decision taken to prosecute adults who sexually abuse children, UNICEF calls on the Government to also continue to invest in the prevention of sexual abuse of children and support to victims.
“Based on the lessons from existing initiatives by the Government and partners, prevention and support programs must be continued and scaled up. Everybody in Zimbabwe must understand that sexual abuse of children is not acceptable, and they need to act accordingly and speak up,” said UNICEF.
The organ said with the legislation passed raising the age of consent to 18 years, Zimbabwe has taken a new step in dealing with sexual abuse of children, which remains too often silent. The time has come to put it to an end.
“Children deserve to grow up in a safe environment. It is our shared responsibility to break the silence, to help prevent sexual abuse of children, and by extension all forms of violence against children, and to ensure children that are victims of violence, abuse and exploitation get the attention, assistance and support they need,” added UNICEF.
