Lebohang Calls for Stronger Action Against Child Abuse

Leboohang Calls for Stronger Action Against Child Abuse"

Lebohang, 12, a World Vision Child Representative, delivers a compelling call to action to end child sexual abuse and exploitation during the 45th Ordinary Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC).

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Statement by Lebohang, 12, World Vision Child Representative
At the 45th Ordinary Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC)My fellow Children

Your Excellencies

Honourable members of the committee

Representatives of member states

Heads of Human Rights Institutions

Development Partners

Important delegates

Ladies and gentlemen

My name is Lebohang, aged 12 years. Today I stand before you to advocate a message on behalf of all children who need protection and against sexual exploitation and abuse.

Ladies and gentlemen; what is child sexual exploitation and abuse? Child sexual exploitation and abuse happen when a child is forced or cheated into doing sexual activities and this is a very serious problem which harm children, cause fear and destroy their futures. And also a serious violation of children's rights.

And therefore, it is my sincere plea to the governments to implement the following measures to help prevent and protect children from sexual abuse:

Stonger laws and strict punishments for abusers
Government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO's) and community collaboration
Religious and community leaders' involvement]
Increasing education and awareness on comprehensive sexual education
Investing in social emotional learning so that this becomes a thing of the past
Attention should be given to our fellow children with disabilities including psychological disabilities which we tend to be silent about
Protection of children online
Mainstreaming of mental Health and Psychosocial support in both prevention and response programmes

In conclusion, children are the present and the future of our nations. Therefore, lets create a world where no child has to suffer from sexual exploitation and abuse.

Together we can stop abuse! Thank You

This initiative is implemented in partnership with REPSSI (Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative). World Vision Lesotho is proud to collaborate with REPSSI in amplifying the voices of children and promoting their rights and well-being.