“Action is needed now”: Caritas Zambia Calls for Establishment of Specialized Courts to Handle Child Defilement Cases

“Parents and caregivers who conceal such atrocities must also face severe consequences,” the official of the development and humanitarian arm of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) adds.

In a Thursday, March 27 statement, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Zambia says it is “deeply alarmed and saddened” by the escalating reports of child sexual violence, defilements and rape, in the Southern African nation.  

Providing global estimates, which indicate that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys experience sexual violence before the age of 18, UNICEF Zambia says that in the country, “media reports of children being violated on a daily basis have increased.”

“Behind these numbers are individual children whose innocence has been stolen, whose trust has been shattered, and whose future hangs in the balance,” UNICEF Zambia says, and adds, “Survivors often face lifelong physical, emotional, and psychological harm, compounded by stigma, shame and systemic failures to access services, including justice.”

To address the issue of child defilement, Caritas Zambia has called on civil society and the Zambian government to enhance awareness campaigns on sexual abuse.

The ZCCB entity has also urged the government to spearhead campaigns against child defilement campaigns using various available platforms such as online and social media, public meetings in schools, health centers, and in hospitals, to create more awareness of the effects of child sexual abuse.

In the March 26 statement, Caritas Zambia also stresses the need for the Zambian government to strengthen the mental well-being of sexual defilement victims, both boys and girls by offering support and healing for purposes of mental stability.

“We urge government to establish more safe spaces for survivors of child sexual abuse/exploitation and provide them with counselling, alternative care support systems, and healing for them to reclaim their lives,” Fr. Mapulanga says. 

He adds that the cases of child defilement in Zambia have escalated and there’s a need for immediate decisive action to prevent further instances of sexual abuse.

On the effects of child sexual abuse, the Catholic Priest says that every delay to take action against child defilement risks the lives of the children permanently affecting their physical and psychological well-being.

“It is unacceptable and so disheartening to see how the lives of innocent souls are being destroyed by the same people that are supposed to provide protection and safety to them,” he says. 

Referring to some of the reported child defilement cases in the country, Fr. Mapulanga appeals to the Zambian government and all the stakeholders involved to take action and provide justice to the victims.

“Child sexual abuse has continued increasing as evidenced by the horrific defilement and murder of a schoolgirl in Kamwala South, the disturbing case of a young cancer patient who was defiled by her own father, and the recent case of a boy who was molested,” he laments. 

The Caritas Zambia Executive Director says that the health of Zambian children is at high risk because of the increased cases of rape and incest.

Child sexual abuse has also affected the health of the survivors both physically and psychologically and even permanent damage, he says. “This may continue impacting more children if stringent measures are not put in place to address the scourge. Hence the need to ACT NOW!” the Zambian Catholic Priest emphasizes. 

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He emphasizes child protection, love and dignity describing them as sacred gifts from God.

Referring to the church’s teachings, Fr. Mapulanga underscores the importance of being the voice for the vulnerable especially children saying, “The Church teaches us to protect the vulnerable, champion justice, and uphold human dignity.”

“Principles echoed strongly in our plea for urgent action against child abuse, we stand firmly against any form of child defilement, exploitation, or abuse, recognizing that such acts are profound violations of human rights and dignity of children,” he says, and adds, “We acknowledge the moral and spiritual obligation to safeguard the most vulnerable among us, particularly children, who are often unable to protect or defend themselves.” 

In the March 26 statement, the Executive Director of Caritas Zambia goes on to invite the people of God in the country to take responsibility for protecting children from defilement, reminding the nation to be “shepherds of the innocent”, to nurture and care for children with compassion and vigilance.

“Let us not forsake our moral obligation to protect God's beloved children,” he says.