CHILD rights defenders coalition has organised a peaceful march calling for enhanced protection for children and urge the National Assembly to amend Penal Code to prohibit bail for all cases of child rape and sodomy.

Additionally, they have called on the Police Force to intensify the monitoring of incidents involving child abductions, disappearances, and murders across the country.

The walk follows a series of recent violent incidents against children, including the rape and murder of a six-month-old in Dodoma Region and the abduction and death of a two-year-old child with albinism, Asimwe Novart, in Kagera Region.

Speaking soon after the march, which began at St Peter’s grounds in Oysterbay and concluded at Leaders Club grounds, Tike Mwambipile, the coalition’s representative and executive director of the Tanzania Women’s Lawyers Association (TAWLA) emphasised the urgent need for action in light of increasing violence against children.

“We urge the Parliament to review the Penal Code to eliminate bail for all cases of child rape and sodomy,” she stressed.

She added, “We have seen suspects in these cases being arrested only to escape or be released on bail, which results in victims being threatened, subjected to further violence, and sometimes losing crucial evidence.”

Furthermore, the coalition appealed to President Samia Suluhu Hassan to continue highlighting the importance of child protection, urging that all institutions responsible for safeguarding citizens fulfil their duties and expedite investigations and proceedings in reported cases to ensure timely justice.

Despite recognising the efforts of the government and stakeholders to protect children, Janeth Mawinza, Executive Director of WAJIKI organisation, noted that the safety of children remains unsatisfactory due to the rising incidence of violence against them.

She urged the police to speed up their monitoring of child abuse cases.

“The report shows an increase in cases of rape and sodomy, with sodomy cases rising from 1,205 in 2020 to 2,488 in 2023—an increase of 57 percent. Rape cases have also risen from 6,827 in 2022 to 8,691 in 2023,” she said.

Rebeca Gyumi, executive director of the Msichana Initiative, emphasised that protecting children is a collective responsibility, urging the government to strengthen efforts to combat child abuse.

“Abuse against children is a disaster that affects the future of our nation. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that children grow up in a safe environment,” she added.