The role of parents in children’s rights violations

By Baluku Shafik Siriwayo

Shafik is a 16-year-old student at Isaac Newton High School, a humanist school in Kateera, near Masaka, which is supported by the Uganda Humanist Schools Trust. He is also the Director of the Bahasi Help Orphans Family Foundation in Bundibugyo, Uganda. In October, he took part in a debate at school. The motion was “Parents are the major cause of the violation of children’s rights”. In this short article, he highlights the different ways in which children’s rights can be abused by parents. Shafik enjoys studying science and agriculture.

Baluku Shafik Siriwayo

Children’s rights violations are a complex issue affecting millions worldwide. While various factors contribute to these violations, parents and caregivers play a significant role. According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), parents hold primary responsibility for their children’s upbringing and protection.

Here are some statistics on parental involvement in children’s rights violations in Uganda:

Physical Violence

• 69% of children in Uganda experienced physical punishment (UNICEF, 2019)

• 33% of children experienced severe physical punishment (UNICEF, 2019)

• 24% of parents reported using physical punishment as a disciplinary method (Uganda National Council for Children, 2020)

Emotional Violence

• 36% of children experienced emotional violence (UNICEF, 2019)

• 21% of parents reported using emotional violence as a disciplinary method (Uganda National Council for Children, 2020)

Neglect and Abandonment

• 13% of children experienced neglect (UNICEF, 2019)

• 5% of children experienced abandonment (UNICEF, 2019)

Child Labour

• 21% of children aged 5-14 engaged in child labour (Uganda Bureau of Statistics, 2020)

• 14% of parents reported involving their children in hazardous work (Uganda National Council for Children, 2020)

Sexual Violence

• 14% of girls and 5% of boys experienced sexual violence (UNICEF, 20

Factors Contributing to Violations

Several factors contribute to parents violating children’s rights, including:

1. Lack of awareness and education on child rights and parenting

2. Socio-economic pressures and poverty

3. Cultural and traditional practices harmful to children

4. Mental health issues and substance abuse

5. Domestic violence and conflict

Common Violations

Some common violations of children’s rights attributed to parents include:

1. Physical, emotional, and psychological abuse

2. Neglect and abandonment

3. Child labour and exploitation

4. Early and forced marriage

5. Denial of education and healthcare

Solutions and Support

Breaking the cycle of violence and neglect requires:

1. Education and awareness campaigns

2. Economic support and poverty alleviation

3. Access to mental health services and substance abuse treatment

4. Community-based programmes and support groups

5. Strengthening child protection laws and their enforcement

Conclusion

Protecting children’s rights is a shared responsibility. While parents play a crucial role, addressing underlying factors and providing support can help prevent violations. Collaboration between governments, organisations, and communities is essential to ensure children’s safety, well-being, and dignity.

Shafik's charitable foundation for orphans was featured in the March issue of Humanistically Speaking.

The location of Isaac Newton High School in Uganda. Image: Google maps

Further information

You can support humanist schools in Uganda.

Donation link and website is here.

You can email Shafik about his charitable foundation

helporphansfamilyfoundation@gmail.com