By Adama Makasuba
The Child Protection Alliance (CPA) has condemned the abuse of a minor who was hit with pestle by the guidance in totality and called for punishment of the suspect according to the laws of the country.
The child rights advocator call comes after the police has detained a 30-year-old woman who was seen in a viral video allegedly abusing and beating an 8-year-old girl with a heavy pestle causing her severe injuries.
In a statement, Child Protection Alliance said: “it has learnt with great concern an alleged abuse of a minor at a settlement within West Coast Region. The suspect is alleged to have hit the minor with a pestle leading to severe injuries. The alleged act is criminal and a gross violation of the rights of the minor.”
“It is important to note that there is no ambiguity in Section 22 of the Children’s Act which clearly challenged parents or guardians to administer domestic discipline in a manner consistent with the inherent dignity of the child; thus, leaving no room for any form of physical or mental abuse of children. We therefore condemn the alleged act in totality and urge the public to desist from such brutal and gruesome acts against children,” the statement added.
“While we thank The Gambia Police Force for their intervention in arresting the suspect, we demand a thorough investigation of the matter. The suspect must be punished in accordance with the law if found guilty of committing the alleged crime. Meanwhile, the public is urged to be vigilant and report suspected cases of child abuse at the nearest police station or call the National Child Helpline on 199,” the release concluded.