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The annual child protection week campaign is set to begin on the 28 May 2017. Child protection week aims to increase awareness, educate and mobilise all sectors of the society to nurture, care and protect its children.

The future of the country is in the hands of our children and it is entirely up to civil society, government and business to safeguard our children. Children’s rights are enshrined in the constitution and as a society, it is our duty to uphold and protect these rights for our children. The government has a zero-tolerance approach towards child abuse, and therefore, the urgency to work together is imperative, to collaborate with the police, prosecutors and courts to ensure that those who hurt, exploit and abuse children are arrested and convicted.

In support of the campaign Brand South Africa calls on all citizens to participate and pledge and share their insights about what child protection means to them and positive messages of support on social media #Protectthechild; #UNsee; #UNhear; #UNspeak to further raise awareness of the importance of protecting our children from disturbing, harmful and inappropriate media content that lead to child abuse.

The Department of Social Development has a 24-hour call centre dedicated to providing support and counselling to victims of gender-based violence as  well as report any suspected child labour, abuse, neglect or exploitation:

Survivors of gender based violence can call 24-hour toll free number – 0800 428 428.
Free SMS line *120*7867#
Childline South Africa: 0800 055 555
Child Welfare South Africa: 0861 4 CHILD (24453) / 011 452-4110
e-mail:info@childwelfaresa.org.za
SAPS Crime Stop: 08600 10 111
SMS Crime Line: 32211

Issued by Brand South Africa