By Shadrack Nyakoe
The CRADLE – The Children Foundation, in collaboration with key stakeholders in the justice sector, launched the JUST RIGHTS Project in Nairobi on Monday.
This initiative is dedicated to addressing the growing issue of crimes against children, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Kenyan Constitution.
Michael Wasonga, Executive Director of The CRADLE, highlighted the urgency of tackling crimes such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), child trafficking, and child marriages.
He stressed the need for cooperation between state and non-state actors to create a safer environment for children, stating, “Despite various interventions, crimes against children continue to evolve. Strengthening collaboration among civil society organizations is crucial to address these challenges effectively.”
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, speaking at the launch, emphasized Parliament’s commitment to safeguarding children’s rights.
“We have the Children Act, the Sexual Offences Act, the Victim Protection Act, and the Constitution, among others, to protect our children,” she said.
The JUST RIGHTS Project will focus on combating FGM by providing pro bono legal representation, psychosocial support for victims, and researching gaps in FGM legislation.
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In the fight against SGBV, the project will advocate for legislative changes, including amendments to the Sexual Offences Act of 2006.
The project will also support efforts to combat child trafficking by offering technical assistance to the Directorate of Criminal Investigation’s Child Protection Unit.
Additionally, it will conduct a rapid assessment on the prevalence of child marriages across Kenya, accompanied by community training programs to develop local advocates against harmful practices.
The CRADLE remains dedicated to promoting and protecting children’s rights, and the JUST RIGHTS Project marks a critical step towards improving institutional cooperation and addressing these evolving challenges.