By 
Caritas Zambia has raised concern over a surge in cases of child abuse, exploitation and neglect, criticizing what it termed modern-day parenting and the use of children in political campaigns ahead of the August 13 elections.
Organisation Executive Director, Dr. Gabriel Mapulanga said recent incidents exposed gaps in family responsibility, community vigilance and enforcement of child protection laws.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, Mapulanga said children were increasingly vulnerable to harm from poor parenting, trafficking, substance abuse and digital exploitation.
He said the organization had observed that some parents and guardians in the name of ‘modern-day parenting,’ had continued neglecting, harassing, or even defiling their children.
“Disturbing reports indicate that children have fled their homes and are sleeping on the streets to escape abuse,” Mapulanga stated.
He cited the case of Copperbelt twins who travelled to Lusaka with another juvenile allegedly to sell their ovaries as evidence of systemic failures in safeguarding.
Mapulanga also condemned the involvement of children in political activities, noting it violated the Children’s Code Act.
“We have also observed children being used in political campaign messages. The Children’s Code Act clearly prohibits the exploitation of children for political purposes, recognising that such practices violate their rights and expose them to manipulation and subsequently harm,” he said.
Mapulanga called on all political actors, both ruling party and opposition, to respect the law and keep children out of partisan activities.
He further highlighted children being drawn into substance abuse, sex scandals and other illicit activities, linking this to weak parental supervision and limited youth programs.
Mapulanga, beyond individual cases, noted broader risks including poverty, school dropouts, child labour, child marriages and harmful digital content.
“These challenges therefore demand coordinated action from families, communities, and government institutions,” he said.
Mapulanga urged government to strengthen implementation of existing laws and invest in prevention rather than only responding after abuse occurs.
“Greater investment is needed in parenting education, psychosocial support, school-based child safeguarding, community child protection structures and public awareness programmes that empower children and families to recognise and report abuse, trafficking and exploitation before harm occurs,” he stated.
Mapulanga also called for stronger collaboration among law enforcement, immigration, schools, churches and civil society to combat human trafficking, especially online recruitment of children.
He stressed that addressing poverty, unemployment and family instability was key to reducing vulnerability and that protecting children was not solely the responsibility of Government or parents but a shared national responsibility.
“Every child is a gift from God and a vital part of Zambia’s future. The choices we make today in protecting our children will shape the kind of nation we become tomorrow,” he said.
Mapulanga called on government, families, faith leaders, traditional leaders, civil society, the private sector and media to renew commitment to protecting children’s rights.
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