MANZINI – Over 80 children from across Eswatini gathered at The George Hotel on Friday for a national interfaith dialogue focused on ending violence against children.
Hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office in collaboration with UNICEF and the Church Forum, the dialogue brought together children representing faith communities including the Conference of Churches, League of Churches, Council of Churches, Muslim community, Baháʼí Faith, International Tabernacle, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Shembe Church, and Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The meeting explored how religious institutions can play a stronger role in promoting child safety, while giving children the opportunity to voice their own concerns and ideas.
During presentations, children called for safer environments at home and in public spaces. One concern raised was the need for parents to accompany their children to school, especially during the early morning hours in winter when it is still dark. Others urged caregivers to abandon harsh discipline methods in favour of more understanding and compassionate parenting.
Participants also pointed to the importance of being listened to when decisions are made about their lives. Boys and girls sharing sleeping spaces was another concern discussed, with several children suggesting that boys and girls should sleep separately as a measure to protect their well-being.
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