The nature and extent of Violation of the Rights of Street Children in the City of Mutare

Abstract

This research aimed to examine the reasons for the presence of street children in the city of Mutare. The nature and extent of the violations of their rights, and the adequacy of existing legal and institutional measures to safeguard these rights. Social justice theories were used and, the concept of social construction, the role of the family, and theories about child behavior. The researcher used mixed method of data collections involving both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Purposive sample of 50 respondents was used to obtain data. These included NGOs/Government Agencies, Parents/ Guardian and the children who live and work on the street. For data collection, a questionnaire and interview were used. The qualitative and quantitative design was used and data were presented, interpreted and analyzed. The major findings was that violations intervention strategies used to protect and promote street children’s rights but their effectiveness was affected by number of factors which are: poverty, lack of interest and cultural perceptions activities. Government efforts should be made to prosecute perpetrators of street children sexual exploitation, child labour, and physical abuses that employ children and engage them in sexual exploitation. There is a need to provide means of income to support the children and also funds to strengthen the police force patrols on the streets during the night to minimize street children violations.