Civil society organizations ask reforms in Cabo Delgado

Civil society organizations have once again expressed concern over the situation of children affected by the armed conflict in Cabo Delgado, calling for the exemption of school enrollment and birth registration fees in public schools.

At a press conference held in the city of Pemba on Monday (02), representatives from various organizations presented a document containing 12 recommendations aimed at strengthening the protection of children's rights. The groups argue that, despite the vulnerability caused by the armed insurgency, many families are still required to pay what they describe as high fees to secure their children’s access to education.

Mirna Chitsungo, representing the Fundo para o Desenvolvimento da Comunidade, stated that the economic hardship faced by families affected by the attacks severely limits their ability to afford essential services. According to her, charging fees for enrollment and birth registration further deepens the challenges faced by displaced and vulnerable communities.

During the same event, Marta Licuco of the Associação DJUMULA criticized the fact that school enrollment processes are handled directly by school administrations, warning that such a system may create room for irregularities and acts of corruption.

The document, endorsed by 116 civil society organizations from across the country, will be submitted to both the provincial government and the central government. The aim is to urge authorities to adopt urgent measures to safeguard the rights and access to education of children affected by the conflict.

Among the key recommendations are strengthening strategies to end the insurgency, increasing the budget allocated to children in conflict settings, holding perpetrators of sexual abuse and early marriages accountable, and immediately exempting birth registration and school enrollment fees.

However, the continued enforcement of these charges is still preventing many children from enrolling in the current academic year, raising concerns about widespread school exclusion in the province. (Mozanorte)