M’mbelwa District Council chairperson Dan Nkosi on Monday asked traditional leaders in Mzimba District to scrape off harmful cultural practices that violate children’s rights such as forcing them into marriage.
He made these remarks during Day of African Child commemorations held at Inkosi Kampingo Sibande Headquarters.
Nkosi observed that certain norms, traditions and cultural practices have outlived their values and importance, especially in the time of democracy when people’s rights, including those of children, have to be protected.
“Traditional leaders as custodians of culture should only embrace cultural practices and traditions which are dynamic to spur socio-economic development in their areas.
“They should not pursue harmful practices which abuse children’s right, especially pushing little girls into marriage,” he said.
Chief KampingoSibande appealed to his subjects to report all cases relating to child abuse to authorities.
He observed that child rights violations in form of child marriages and defilement occur in his area but most of them go unreported as the victims’ families protect the perpetrators from prosecution.
