Magistrate wants set up
of a Children's Parliament
By Gastone Valusi in Machakos
A magistrate wants the government to establish special children’s courts across the country in order to prosecute sexual offenders and deliver justice to the victims. Outgoing Kangundo Senior Principal Magistrate Ms. Monica Nyakundi says this way, the government would enforce strict laws for those who violate children's rights.
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| Ms. Nyakundi |
She urge the government to enforce the Children's Act and educate the society on the importance of protecting children’s rights.
She noted that children’s rights to basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, education and medical care are not being adequately fulfilled.
Children need to access amenities like playgrounds but, in most cases, these have been grabbed. Insecurity and poverty continue to curtail the rights and freedoms of children to assemble, associate and move freely in our neighborhoods.
"Those in authority should come up with more programmes to engage children during their free time and on holidays.
She indicated the Children's Rights being respected include the right to medical care – immunization, free education and socialisation.
"But children are being abused, neglected forced to work or into early marriages. Female Genital Mutilation is also rampant among some communities," she added.
The Magistrate said children need to ensure their rights are respected, open and build dialogue with the authorities to advocate their rights and equal opportunities.
Secondly, have a forum for discussion of their agenda with others. In addition, the children’s Parliament should be started in all counties to discuss social, economic, and environmental issues that affect them and the communities.
Children should have representatives in all development committees and should be consulted and have their input in matters affecting them. "We should allow children to interact and mix with exposing them to tribalism, racism and religious discrimination, she added.
She said the government need to ensure children’s rights and freedoms are respected by enforcing the Children Act. The government should also ensure children develop into responsible adults. It should take appropriate action on those who violate children’s rights and put up more facilities for children to learn, play and hold meetings. Amenities like hospitals, playgrounds and clinics should be child-friendly.
Ms. Nyakundi said child abuse and neglect can be prevented if there is public education and information to sensitise people on child abuse and neglect. "We need to create social structures that will ensure that any child abuse is reported and the victims are taken care of. Parents and guardians must be educated on the rights of children so that they teach them to avoid getting into abusive situations.
She said the challenge she faces when presiding over cases involving minors in Kenyan court is that police officers conduct poor investigations on defilement and other cases involving children even when given enough time, and this has contributed to many cases being lost because of insufficient evidence.
She said most courts are not child-friendly because they lack space and we have no facilities that would make children relax before they are asked any questions.
"We have to make children feel free and not intimidated", Ms. Nyakundi and added that children who want to become magistrates should work hard, be focused and do well in school.
