MWYCF condemns alleged gruesome rape of 12 year old girl

 

The Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs has called for a collective action to stop violence against women and girls.

The call came in light of last week’s alleged rape incident that resulted in the death of a 12-year-old girl in Tikopia island, Temotu Province.

Strongly condemning the alleged rape incident in a statement, the Ministry said such cruel and inhumane actions are unacceptable and have no place in the society.

With increasing child abuse cases in the past months the Ministry said it will continue to work closely with other government ministries and non-government organisations, faith- based organisations and development partners through the National Action and Advisory Committee on Children and SAFENET to campaign and advocate to eliminate violence/abuse against children, young girls and women.

The Ministry added, programs on eliminating violence and creating safe environments for children are also being rolled out in various communities and churches.

It said the Government is committed through the passage of the 2017 Child and Family Welfare Act and the 2014 Family Protection Act to protect the wellbeing of children and to provide for the protection of families from domestic violence and to promote safety, health and wellbeing of the victims of domestic violence and for related purposes.

The Ministry however strongly stressed that eliminating abuse against children and creating a safe environment for them is everyone’s responsibility and requires a collective action.

It also conveyed its deepest condolences to the family of the young girl, for losing their loved one through such a gruesome act.

SIBC Online understands, the maximum penalty for rape under the Penal Code is life imprisonment.