The Cradle Launches Just Rights Project To Combat Child Abuse In Kenya
The Mt Kenya Times 
Michael Wasonga, Executive Director of The CRADLE Organization
By: Cynthia Masibo
The Children Foundation, in partnership with key justice sector stakeholders, has launched the JUST RIGHTS Project in Nairobi. This initiative is designed to address the widespread issue of crimes against children, aligning with both the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and Kenya’s Constitution. The project aims to tackle various forms of abuse, including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), child trafficking, and child marriages.
During the launch event, Michael Wasonga, Executive Director of The CRADLE, expressed the urgent need to address these crimes, which continue to impact children across the country. “Despite various interventions, crimes against children continue to evolve,” he stated. Wasonga emphasized the complexity of child abuse issues and highlighted the importance of collaboration between state and non-state actors in creating a safer environment for children. “Our commitment to strengthening partnerships among civil society organizations is essential to effectively tackle these challenges,” he added.
The JUST RIGHTS Project is structured around several key initiatives aimed at combating child abuse. A significant focus is the fight against FGM, a practice that remains prevalent in some parts of Kenya. To combat this, the project will provide pro bono legal representation to victims, alongside offering psychosocial support to help them recover from the trauma of abuse. Additionally, the project will conduct research to identify gaps in current FGM-related legislation, ensuring that legal frameworks can be strengthened to protect children more effectively.
Addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) is another critical component of the JUST RIGHTS Project. The project will engage in legislative advocacy, working with lawmakers to push for amendments to the Sexual Offences Act of 2006, with the goal of making the law more robust in tackling various forms of SGBV against children. The need for enhanced protection in this area has been underscored by rising cases of child abuse, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed more children to violence and exploitation in their homes.
In addition to FGM and SGBV, child trafficking remains a significant issue in Kenya. The JUST RIGHTS Project seeks to address this by providing technical assistance to the Directorate of Criminal Investigation’s Child Protection Unit. This assistance aims to improve the unit’s capacity to investigate and prosecute child trafficking cases, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable and that justice is served for victims.
Another critical component of the project is a rapid assessment of child marriages across the country. The findings from this assessment will guide future interventions and policy recommendations. Alongside this, the project will implement community training programs to create local champions who can advocate against harmful practices such as child marriage. By empowering local communities, The CRADLE hopes to create long-term, sustainable change in the fight against child abuse.
The CRADLE’s mission is rooted in promoting and protecting the rights of children through legal representation, advocacy, and community outreach. The JUST RIGHTS Project reflects a collective resolve to enhance institutional cooperation and address the evolving challenges children face. As Wasonga highlighted during the launch, “The future of our nation depends on the protection of our children. We must act now to safeguard their rights.”
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