Sundaymail Editor
Debra Matabvu
The high-level taskforce set up to find solutions to rampant drug abuse among youths must move with speed and come up with robust measures to end drug and substance abuse, Child President Unathi Nyoni has said.
Speaking during the 30th session of the Children’s Parliament and commemorations to mark the Day of the African Child held in Harare on Saturday, Mr Nyoni said substance abuse was a major catalyst for harmful practices such as child abuse and prostitution.
He urged child parliamentarians to share ideas with Government on how to end the practice.
This year’s session was held under the theme “Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children: Progress on Policy and Practice since 2013.”
“Drug and substance abuse is the new order,” he said.
“The pandemic has been a catalyst for harmful practices affecting children and young people.
“It is not uncommon that child marriages, child abuse, child labour, child prostitution as revealed by the Zimbabwe Youth Council in 2013 following the robust debate by the Junior Parliament are closely tied to drug and substance abuse.”
He said in light of the development, President Mnangagwa set up an inter-ministerial taskforce on drug and substance abuse.
“We appreciate the inter-ministerial task force.
“I urge the honourable Members of Parliament, in particular, to consider tabling robust solutions to the aforementioned problems of drug and substance abuse.
“We the children of Zimbabwe recognise the important role we must play to fight drug and substance abuse in Zimbabwe.
“During our elections for the child presidency, there was a topic on young people taking responsibility to ending drug and substance abuse.
“We must share with the Government our plans to end youth involvement in drug and substance abuse.”
Schools, he said, should come up with programmes that occupy learners during vacations and holidays.
He urged school prefects to mentor their peers and educate them about self-development and responsibility.
“Robust volunteering must be implemented especially by the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation so that young people become responsible citizens and develop their communities.”
Speaking during the same occasion, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said awareness programmes were lined up to educate communities on harmful practices such as child marriages.
“Last year when we had this session, amendments to the Marriage Act were still being crafted.
“Now it is law and we outlawed child marriages.
“What we now need, as has been debated by the Children’s Parliament, is to have awareness and education programmes to educate our communities on the harmful practices of child marriages.
“We call upon the Ministries of Youth, and Primary and Secondary Education to assist in that regard.”
He called on communities to assist with enforcement of the new law.
Online Reporter