By CHARITY MOONGA –
THE Women for Change organisation has urged communities and households to uphold the rights of children in the country.
Women for Change (WfC) executive director Lumba Siyauya said there was need to create a peaceful environment in which children are able to develop fully and enjoy their rights.
This is contained in a statement following the commemoration of the Day of the African Child (DAC).
The theme for this year was “Conflict and Crisis in Africa: Protecting all Children’s Rights”
Ms Siyauya’s  organisations called for peace in the run up to this years’ elections.
She said all political parties contesting the 2016 August 11, elections should desist from engaging in violence and using violence as a weapon to attaining power.
She said WfC is alarmed at the increasing reports of political violence which if not curbed, threatens the wellbeing of children in the country.
“The primary responsibility of every Zambian including political parties should be to work towards building a crisis free society in which our children can live and move freely.
However, the political violent acts taking place in some parts of the country are threatening the rights of children to education, to play and life.
This is despite the need for children to grow up in a conflict free environment in order for them to attain their full potential and to grow up free from psychological traumas that come with experiences of wars or violent acts,” she said.
She called on all Zambians to respect children’s rights at national, community and household level.
Currently, many children in Zambia were facing different kinds of abuse including child labour that keeps them away from school and gender-based violence including defilement and early marriages.
“It is our hope that every Zambian, including political parties will on this day reflect on what they are doing to contribute towards peace in Zambia and upholding of the children’s rights,” she said.