An Analysis of the Child’s Right to Safety in South Africa

Abstract

Children are abducted, abused and killed every day around the world. Violence against children takes its toll in different regions, making them unsafe and depriving them of their freedom. Furthermore, these abuses and violence create fear in societies, exacerbating injustice and preventing peaceful living for many families. This article argues that a lack of political will leads to catastrophic situations that erode peace and a just way of living. When children are abused and subjected to violence, abductions, and killings, their future is diminished, and the frameworks aimed at securing their safety are undermined. This article adopts a doctrinal methodology and examines scholarly work on the suppression of young voices. The study protests against the scourge of violence against children and promotes the enforcement and enhancement of frameworks to protect them. Frameworks provide mechanisms to protect children, but political will is needed to enforce them. The article highlights that expansive child protection laws have not translated into tangible improvements in children’s safety. This illustrates a lack of political will and effective resource allocation, reinforcing the need to enforce protective frameworks. The article further argues that South Africa must strengthen its processes for safeguarding children and prioritise their liberation.