The way children and adolescents are treated today shapes the men and women of tomorrow. In Mozambique, the protection and equality of rights for this age group remain topics of intense debate, despite ongoing efforts and legislative improvements.
Currently, the country has more than three thousand community courts, reflecting its commitment to ensuring justice and equality for all. However, significant challenges remain to be overcome.
Mozambican legislation, while advanced in many aspects, faces gaps when it comes to the classification and interpretation of crimes against minors. The practical application of the law, on the one hand, is often seen as ineffective. On the other hand, the importance of the role played by communities, schools, and hospitals is recognized as essential in identifying and following up on cases until the criminal accountability of the offenders. "It takes a whole village to raise a child" — for Sílvia Comissário, this old African proverb has never been more relevant.
The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education play crucial roles in the protection of children and adolescents, providing psychological support and monitoring signs that may put children’s lives at risk.
Involving children in activities appropriate to their maturity and understanding is crucial, as is balancing their rights with their dignity. Transforming schools into safe environments is an urgent need, and this requires effective coordination between laws and institutions. Treating children with empathy and respect is fundamental. The creation of multidisciplinary policies that address the specific needs of children is a step in the right direction. Human rights-focused campaigns aimed at children and adolescents are vital to raising awareness and promoting protection.
Protective measures and juvenile jurisdiction
Despite progress, Mozambique still faces significant challenges in implementing effective protective measures. The lack of juvenile rehabilitation facilities and specialized teams for supervising probation is an obstacle that needs urgent attention. However, legislation has shown notable advances. Law 8/2008 of June 15th establishes specific protective measures, without the application of criminal penalties for children under 16 years old, promoting a system that seeks to educate rather than punish.
The role of the community in protection
Protecting children and adolescents requires a joint effort. Communities, schools, hospitals, and government institutions need to work cohesively to ensure that all children have access to a safe and protective environment. Community initiatives play a vital role in supporting families and providing resources for child protection.
In summary, the protection of children’s and adolescents’ rights in Mozambique is a work in progress, but one that already shows promising results. Strengthening laws, combined with the commitment of communities and institutions, is essential to ensuring a future where all Mozambican children can grow up in an environment of dignity, safety, and opportunity.
Collaboration between the government, non-governmental organizations, and civil society is essential to continue advancing the protection of children's rights. With the commitment and dedication of all, it is possible to build a future where every child in Mozambique is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
(By Rafael Langa)
