Children affected by political violence

The impact on children of Zimbabwe's mounting political violence was condemned on Monday by a coalition of child rights NGOs.

The statement by a forum of nine NGOs noted with concern that there has been "consistent and persistent involvement and exposure of children and young persons in and to acts of violence. These include allegations of assaults, kidnappings, torture, rape, destruction of property and murder."

The NGOs warned that the "traumatisation of children not only occurs through their direct involvement in violence but through witnessing acts of brutality within their communities. In recent months, hundreds of children have witnessed their homes being destroyed and are consequently left destitute and displaced. We also note with particular concern the deteriorating situation on farms, where children of farm workers continue to be exposed to a climate of threat, intimidation and fear."

The forum also noted that the climate of violence "has led to disruption of children's education due to the flight of teachers in many parts of the country, for example, in Bikita, Zaka, Gokwe and some parts of Mashonaland Central".

The statement added that the names of children charged with crimes had been published by some sections of the media, contrary to the law, and also condemned "the detention of children and young persons with adults in detention centres".

"The forum welcomes recent calls by political parties to ensure that the forthcoming election is violence free and peaceful and would like to encourage all political parties to commit themselves to translate this into concrete action.

"In conclusion, therefore, we condemn the continued use of children in carrying out acts of violence against their elders and their peers, as well as their victimisation in the current environment in the country," the statement said.