Dar es Salaam, 14 May, 2021 / 9:30 pm (ACI Africa).
Catholic Bishops in Tanzania have formulated policies aimed at safeguarding children in the East African nation amid increased reported cases of child abuse.
In a Wednesday, May 12 report, the Director of the Pastoral Commission of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), Fr. Florence Rutaihwa, says that in the last 25 years, child abuse “has grown to become a serious national problem.”
“In order to offer lasting safety and well-being to children, the Catholic Church in Tanzania has developed a pastoral action that will help create a safe environment for our little ones,” Fr. Rutaihwa has been quoted as saying in the news report by Agenzia Fides.
He adds that the pastoral guidelines, which have been published and disseminated to various Catholic communities across Tanzania “provide indications against all forms of abuse and neglect of minors, offering a comprehensive approach for the protection of children, reaffirming the necessary and full collaboration with civil authorities throughout the country.”
“The fight against child abuse requires collective efforts,” Fr. Rutaihwa says and adds that for this reason, the leadership of the Church in Tanzania collaborates with the government and international organizations such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in offering seminars.