UNICEF joins Namibia in denouncing girl’s brutal killing

WINDHOEK, 03 SEP  – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has added its voice in condemnation of the brutal killing of nine-year-old Cheryl Avihe Ujaha, whose mutilated body was discovered in a riverbed here last week.
UNICEF in a media release on Monday said the brutal act reminds the nation that many of the children in Namibia continue to experience acts of violence in their communities.
“UNICEF is devastated by this heart-breaking story and we condemn this attack and extend our heartfelt condolences to Cheryl’s family,” it said.
UNICEF emphasised that across different social and economic strata of Namibia, children deserve their basic human rights to protection, health and education.
“All children, irrespective of their socio-economic status, should live in a protective environment – one that safeguards them from abuse and exploitation and no child must be left behind in our common pursuit of enabling each child to survive and thrive.”
UNICEF has vowed its full commitment to support the relevant ministries and civil society organisations in Namibia providing the much-needed support to families, schools and communities affected by violence against children, and to ensure that mechanisms are in place to address and avert such crimes.
It also called for speedy regulation of the 2015 Child Care and Protection Act and said it welcomed the National Safe Schools Framework that will be launched this month.
Late Ujaha was reported missing on 25 August before her body was found in a riverbed near the Staanvas circle in Khomasdal on 28 August, with her remains seemingly boiled, mutilated and some of her body parts removed.
So far no arrest has been made in connection with the killing, despite a N.dollars 30 000 reward offered by the Namibian Police for information.

NAMPA