NCJ Number
214651
Date Published
2006
Length
46 pages
Annotation
This report examines the impact that the new bridge over the Zambezi River will have on the welfare of the children of Mozambique.
Abstract
To ensure that the rights of children are protected and that their well-being is promoted during the construction of the Zambezi Bridge, recommendations were prepared by members of the communities of Caia and Chimuara. The recommendations are presented in the areas of prevention, protection and care, and support. Highlights of the recommendations include: (1) construction contractors and subcontractors should make employees aware of and enforce company codes of conduct prohibiting acts of child abuse or exploitation; (2) children under 18 years of age should not be hired to do heavy, dangerous labor during the construction of the bridge; (3) the creation of new spaces, resources, and activities on both sides of the river where children can play and learn; (4) strengthen the capacity of district police forces and the legal system to deal effectively with possible cases of child sexual abuse and exploitation by bridge workers; (5) police should enforce a national law which regulates access of children to public night entertainment areas; and (6) since local agriculture is so important to the health and well-being of the children of Caia and Chimuara, activities promoting agriculture development should be created and supported in parallel to the bridge construction project. The new bridge across the Zambezi River, between Caia and Chimuara, targeted for completion in 2009 will be welcomed by travelers and business people in many parts of Mozambique. However, concern is expressed with the presence of large numbers of single, male workers flush with money in an impoverished community and the potential for the sexual and physical exploitation of local women and children. As this report presents through its recommendations, the social protection for indigenous communities has to be part of this construction project as it develops over the next few years. 24 endnotes