Mozambican President Daniel Chapo inaugurated the country’s 2026 Judicial Year, urging the justice system to uphold fundamental rights despite ongoing floods and emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children. The president highlighted the significant impact of floods on essential infrastructure like courts, police stations, and penitentiaries. Children, constituting 51% of Mozambique’s population, were identified as a key national priority for protection and support.
Chapo emphasized Mozambique’s commitment to international child rights agreements and existing legal frameworks, stressing the need for their effective implementation. He expressed concern over high rates of violence experienced by children, with over 30% of girls and 40% of boys aged 18 to 24 having encountered some form of violence before reaching adulthood. The president underscored the prevalence of child labor and early marriages, cautioning against dismissing such alarming statistics as mere numbers.
Addressing the exploitation of children by criminal networks, including in terrorism-related activities and illegal resource exploitation, Chapo called for robust legal measures to safeguard children and hold perpetrators accountable. He reassured the government’s dedication to enhancing resources for the justice sector within the country’s financial means, emphasizing that protecting children’s rights is not a choice but a constitutional, legal, and ethical obligation.
In January, the Mozambican government acknowledged a funding gap of 6.6 billion meticais (around 103.3 million US dollars) to address humanitarian needs arising from severe rains and extensive flooding nationwide. The support efforts will prioritize displaced communities, healthcare services, and food provisions in temporary shelters, as stated by government spokesperson Inocencio Impissa. Despite financial challenges, the government has mobilized various resources, including national funds, international aid, and support from neighboring nations, to manage the crisis effectively.
