Child Abuse: Gov’t Vows No Impunity

The Government has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to safeguarding children and other vulnerable persons, as cases of homicide, rape and abuse continue to cause grave concern across the country. Speaking at a joint ministerial press conference held yesterday, 1 June 2026, the Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, René Emmanuel Sadi, accompanied by the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, the Minister of Social Affairs, and the Secretary of State for Basic Education, Dr Asheri Kilo, set out preventive, protective and judicial measures. This followed public outcry over the recent rape of a three-year-old child and several other cases of violence against minors that have circulated widely on social media. Justice Will Take Its Full, Rigorous Course Opening the briefing, the Minister for Communications described the recent incidents as “shocking, cowardly and destabilising for society as a whole”. He observed that the statistics reveal a disturbing upward trend in the murder of women and children, with cases recorded since the beginning of 2026 confirming an escalating pattern. These offences are, for the most part, perpetrated by individuals known to the victims- spouses, relatives, neighbours or acquaintances. The Minister stated: “The situation demands urgent attention and robust action to ensure that perpetrators are duly punished.” Multi-Sectoral Support For Victims Like the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, the Minister of Social Affairs detailed existing regional platforms coordinating government bodies in social, health, judicial and security sectors with local authorities, civil society and technical partners. Support covers psychosocial care, medical follow-up, legal and security assistance, and temporary accommodation in around 100 “safe spaces” nationwide. The State also aids survivors’ reintegration through capacitybuilding and income-generating activities. Current measures include gender desks in police and gendarmerie units, reception centres for women in distress, and ongoing training for magistrates, judicial police officers, healthcare workers and social workers. Prevention and Law Enforcement On prevention, the Government is rolling out positive parenting programmes, child help desks in selected police units, and a helpline for children in distress. Security forces ha...