MP calls for child protection by-laws

Member of Parliament (MP) for Mangochi East Abubakar Mbaya (United Democratic Front-UDF) has said there is need for the district to come up with by-laws that would safeguard the rights of children.

Mbaya said such by-laws would go a long way in ensuring that parents and guardians take seriously childcare and protection issues, thereby safeguarding the interests of children.

“It is high time the district council developed relevant by-laws to be in line with national policies to adequately protect the rights of children which have for a long time been violated,” he said.

Mbaya was speaking on Monday at Mpita Primary School in Traditional Authority (T/A) Katuli in the district during commemorations of the Day of the African Child organised with support from Plan Malawi.

The theme for the event was Protecting Children’s Rights in Conflict and Crisis.

“Even the Holy Qur’an explicitly says any parent shall be punished or will go to hell for failing to provide for and take good care of their children,” Mbaya pointed out.

Mangochi District Council chairperson Yusuf Kusweje said the council has put in place various strategies aimed at ensuring that children enjoy their rights.

“The council with support from different partners is striving towards ensuring that children in the district grow, survive and develop into useful citizens who can later in life contribute to the socioeconomic development of the country,” he said.

Plan Malawi project officer for Ending School-Related Gender-Based Violence Project, Esnart Gunde, called on people in the district to take keen interest in the welfare of their children.