Green ribbon highlights childrens rights

NATIONAL Child Protection Week (CPW) is commemorated in South Africa annually to raise awareness of children's rights.

The campaign that began in 1997 also aims to mobilise all sectors of society to ensure the care and protection of children.

The campaign is led by the minister of social development; however, it is incumbent on all of us to play a role in protecting children and creating a safe and secure environment for them.

Protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse is not only a basic value, but also an obligation clearly set out in the constitution.

Despite the efforts of the government and civil society to protect children from child abuse, neglect and exploitation, many children still remain vulnerable, and reducing the high levels of violence against children is among South Africa's most overwhelming tasks.

Despite the country's progressive child-protection laws, policies and programmes preventing and addressing violence against children, it remains a major challenge. During Child Protection Week, the government urges everyone to wear the green ribbon to show support for promotion of the rights, care and protection of a child.

The green refers to life and growth and lets victims and survivors know the public supports them. The ribbon emphasises the importance of partnerships to tackle child abuse, neglect and exploitation. Source: www.gov.za