ZANZIBAR President, Dr Ali Mohamed Shein has underscored the need for all people in the isles to make deliberate efforts to curb the growing problem of gender-based violence
Dr Shein was laying a Foundation-stone for the construction of ‘Children’s Court’ at Mahonda village, North Unguja in Zanzibar. “Despite increased calls against violation of children’s rights, the social menace continues unabatedly.
Dealing with this problem requires a holistic approach under which concerted efforts of the government, civil society, members of the community and religious leaders should address the problem collectively,” Dr Shein said.

He expressed his sadness to the gathering at the function that everyone needs to take the responsibility of protecting children, at least by exposing abusers.
Dr Shein said that statistics indicate a general decline in Gender Based Violence (GBV), however, reports of rape and other abuse against children are still surging and becomes common, as reported in the media.
He said that total of 149 cases of GBV were reported between December 2015 and January 2016. The president said the completion of ‘Children’s Court’ in Mahonda would be a milestone in strengthening war against child abuse, as he challenged judiciary staff including magistrates and prosecutors to speed up court hearing.
“Delays in case hearing and punishing offenders frustrates victims. Court staff should find the best way to speed-up hearing of sexual abuse cases,” Dr Shein said as he joined Chief Justice of Zanzibar, Mr Omar Makungu in thanking UNICEF for supporting the construction.
About 99m/-will be spent on the construction of ‘Children’s Court’, which Mr Makungu said was as par ‘Child law of 2011’, which requires the establishment of children’s Court.