Plight of Zimbabwe street children in the spotlight

"We need to go back to an organised society that adequately takes care of orphans and vulnerable children,"

This is the view of a human rights lawyer from Bulawayo, one of many voices calling for urgent reform regarding vulnerable children who live on the streets of Zimbabwe.

"The government has the responsibility of looking after all its citizens. When there are children on the streets, who do not have adequate food and shelter, government is clearly failing in its responsibility," he said.

He explained that in African society there was an extended family system, which saw to it that children were taken care of when parents were irresponsible. However, he noted that the scourge of HIV and AIDS had "broken the system".

"Planners do not plan for street children. Wherever street children appear, they are not in the plans. It is no good deciding where we do not want them and trying to wish them out of existence. We need to decide where and how we do want them to live in a way that is practically possible," he said.

The International Day of the African Child has its roots in apartheid South Africa, when black students in 1976 protested the inferior quality of their education while demanding their right to be taught in their own language. To honour the memory of those killed and injured, this special day is commemorated annually on 16 June, and has been since 1991.

Last month commemorations ran under the theme: All Together for Urgent Actions in Favour of Street Children.

A Lupane State University lecturer in the Department of Development Studies, Mr Douglas Nyathi said: "Having young children on the street offends our ideas of what childhood should is about. We believe that all children should have a home to go to, to provide shelter, and a caring family environment."

An official at Childline, said some of street children were running away from problems at their homes.

"For the children, being on the streets may be a solution to problems of violence or neglect at home. It may be the solution to having no home or no parents," she said.

She said children needed security, recreation, fun, and quality education among other fundamental rights and basic freedoms. According to her, children also face cold winters, starvation, diseases, lack of proper shelter, and a focus for the future.

The official opening of the 19th session of the Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe this year coincided with the commemoration of the International Day of the African Child. Street children were given a chance to participate in the proceedings.