Reported By: The Agency Media.
Date: 19th April, 2025.
Chingola, Copperbelt Province, Zambia.
On a day typically marked by renewal and hope, the Minister of Justice Hon. Princess Kasune, delivered a solemn Easter message calling for urgent, united action against the pervasive scourge of child sexual abuse, including defilement, incest, and rape.
Acknowledging the painful realities faced by countless survivors, the Minister emphasized that while legal reforms and stricter penalties are being pursued, real and lasting change must begin at the grassroots level — within families, communities, and local institutions.
“This Easter, as we reflect on sacrifice and resurrection, we must confront an uncomfortable truth: our children are suffering, often in silence, at the hands of those they trust,” the Minister said. “As a nation, we cannot remain passive. We must rise to the occasion, together.”
While legal frameworks continue to evolve, the Minister stressed that legislation alone cannot dismantle deeply entrenched cultural taboos and silence. She urged all citizens — especially women and caregivers — to be vigilant, proactive, and united in protecting children from abuse.
“We hear the call for stiffer punishments, and we are responding. But the battle is not just in the courts. It is in our homes, our neighborhoods, our schools, and our places of worship. Justice must begin where safety breaks down,” she affirmed.
The New Dawn Government, she assured, is intensifying efforts to strengthen protective laws and expand support systems for survivors. This includes improving access to psychological care, legal aid, and safe reporting mechanisms.
“Let us build a society where our girls and boys can grow up free from fear, free from harm — where they are nurtured, not violated,” she said. “Every child deserves a future where they can dream boldly and live safely.”
In her closing remarks, the Minister appealed to the collective conscience of the nation, calling on every citizen to play a role in ending the cycle of abuse.
“We owe this to our children, to ourselves, and to future generations. Let us not wait for another tragedy to wake us up. Let us act now, act together, and be the guardians our children so desperately need.”
As families across the country commemorate Easter, the Minister’s message serves as a solemn reminder of the work that lies ahead — and the power of unity in the fight for justice and protection for every child.
The Agency.