Africa-Press – Eswatini. In a poignant call to action, Nonhlanhla Dlamini, the Director of the Swaziland Action Against Abuse (SWAGAA), has urged the government to officially recognize Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as a national disaster.
Dlamini’s remarks come in light of alarming statistics indicating that one in three individuals in Swatini has experienced some form of abuse.
“To tackle GBV effectively, we must first accept that we have a serious problem. The statistics speak for themselves,” Dlamini stated during a press briefing.
“It’s time for us as a nation to confront this crisis head-on and implement comprehensive measures to protect our citizens.”
Echoing Dlamini’s concerns, Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla addressed the media on the same day, revealing chilling figures related to child safety.
Dladla noted that since the beginning of the year, 312 incidents of child rape and five murders have been reported, highlighting a troubling trend that demands immediate attention.
“We cannot ignore these horrifying statistics,” Dladla said. “We need all stakeholders to unite against such barbaric acts, particularly those affecting our children.
Child killings and kidnappings are intolerable and require urgent action from all sectors of society.”
Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister disclosed that there have been 89 reported cases of abuse against children under five, with an additional 384 cases impacting teenagers.
SWAGAA Director Nonhlanhla Dlamini
Dladla emphasized that intimate partner violence also requires urgent intervention, underscoring the need for a coordinated approach to combat all forms of violence.
The alarming stats reveal a crisis that, if left unaddressed, threatens the social fabric of Swatini. Dlamini and Dladla’s calls for collaboration among government bodies, NGOs, and the community at large highlight an urgent need to mobilize resources and create effective strategies to combat these issues.
It is worth mentioning that as the country deals with these challenges, it remains imperative that awareness, education, and robust support systems are put in place to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
The government will need to respond swiftly to these pressing challenges, as the safety and well-being of its citizens should be of utmost priority.
The declaration of GBV as a national disaster could pave the way for necessary policy changes and resource allocation aimed at eradicating this pervasive issue.
It should be noted that the continuous rise in abuse cases serves as a clarion call for action and with unity and resolve, Swatini can work towards a safer future for all its citizens, especially its children.
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