[Bev Gibson]

#86374

We all have a right to observe cultural practices and rituals as we see fit, but when do our individual rights or our cultural rights infringe on the basic rights of the children in our care, the most vulnerable members of our society?
According to Section 28 in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of South Africa, among other things, children have a right to ‘be protected from
maltreatment (the act of treating someone cruelly or violently [dictionary.ambridge.com]),
neglect (the state of being uncared for[Oxford Languages]),
abuse (cruel or violent treatment of a person [dictionary.ambridge.com])or
degradation (the act of lowering something or someone to a less respected state [vocabulary.com]).
We hear of too many incidences where parents or guardians have opted for traditional treatments over, or in conjunction with Western treatments that have led to serious drug interactions, complication and in some cases, even death.
Why are these incidences not being reported to the authorities? Or are they being reported and are our authorities just so under resourced that these devastating cases are slipping through the cracks? Or are they not being reported because they are part of the cultural norm?

It’s our responsibility as healthcare providers to ensure that our children are kept safe from harm and are permitted to grow in safe, nurturing environments and to report to the relevant authorities if they are not. A failure to do so, makes us just as complicit in the maltreatment, neglect, abuse and degradation of our children.

• This topic was modified 2 months, 3 weeks ago by Bev Gibson.

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