We, the members of the Parliamentary Task Group on Sexual Abuse of Children,
Taking note with the greatest concern of the repeated instances of sexual abuse
of ever-younger children in our country,
Considering that to protect our children from all instances of such heinous
crimes is not only a moral obligation of the highest priority but a legal obligation
as well,
Taking into account the rights of the child and values contained in international
instruments such as the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which are legally binding
upon the Republic of South Africa,
Recalling section 28 of the Constitution of South Africa that enshrines the
rights of the child and must underpin and inspire all legislation of the Republic,
Having been convened by a decision of the Speaker of the National Assembly of
11 February 2002, and in order to give effect to a motion of the National Assembly
of 14 November 2001
Having held public hearings on the issue,
Condemn once again strongly all forms of sexual abuse and violence against children
of all ages, irrespective of motivation and person of the perpetrator, and issue
the following report for consideration by the National Assembly.