The new Minister of Justice, President’s Counsel Ali Sabry has publicly acknowledged that school children should be given sex education. Sabry made these comments at an event titled “Action Against Child Abuse” held at the Independence Square on Friday (21) to create awareness on child abuse in the country. “Despite the controversy and differing views on the issue in the recent past, I strongly believe that children should be given sex education,” he said.
In his speech, the Minister noted that often children are not harmed by strangers. “It is those closest to them, such as a family member or teacher that carry out these acts of abuse,” he said.
The Minister also said the government is mulling on if to set up a separate court to hear child abuse cases. “If necessary the government is prepared to set up a special court to hear cases relating to child abuse with the approval of the cabinet,” he said adding that the officials are also prepared to take other necessary steps as a government,” he said.
Addressing the gathering Sabry noted that while the government can bring new laws and ensure that wrongdoers are punished, the harm done to children cannot be undone. “Young children are like flowers. If they are harmed even once they have to suffer the consequences for the entirety of their lives” he said.
