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The Minister of Social Development Dr Zola Skweyiya has called on members of the public to strengthen efforts and give special attention to protecting children from all forms of abuse and violence.

"As we mark Christmas and begin the new year we need to work together more closer than before in protecting children and promoting their rights. As individuals, families, communities and indeed the nation as a whole we need in the coming year to redouble our efforts and join the crusade for moral regeneration.

Key to that moral regeneration will be to promote children's rights as enshrined in the constitution and our various policies, legislation and programmes.

We must work to ensure that we eliminate the scourge of rapes and violence against children from our society", said the Minister

The Minister has just returned from a four day second World Congress Against the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children held in Yokohama, Japan.

At the Congress the Minister reiterated the South African Government's commitment

* to promote zero tolerance to all forms of exploitation and abuse of children;
* to ensure that all those who perpetuate abuse and exploitation of children are severely punished.
* To work in close partnership between Government, labour, business, NGOs, CBOs and communities at large in building a caring society and a better life for all the children of South Africa.

Enquiries Mbulelo Musi, Cell : 083 602 5795

Issued by the Ministry of Social Development, 23 December 2001