News Release
Child Safety:
Having Faith in Places of Worship?
A major
conference on the role of faith organisations to safeguard African Children
in the
This conference comes at a time when allegations of exorcism and
witchcraft taking place in some African congregations have made
headlines. Recent cases include the court case involving Child B, the death of Victoria Climbie
as well as allegations of child trafficking in some African churches. The case
of Pastor Deya, the ‘miracle babies’ priest accused
of illegally trafficking children from Kenya for illegal adoption in the UK has
been widely reported. A recent Muslim Parliament report looked into child
abuse in madrassahs and called for the need to
regulate the madrassah system to ensure children are
protected from abuse and harm.
As
Debbie Ariyo, Executive Director of AFRUCA states, "Places
of worship must become sanctuaries for vulnerable
children. We need to work hand in hand with our faith communities for the
protection of our children"
Notes To Editor
1. AFRUCA –
Africans Unite against Child Abuse is the
2. AFRUCA
has recently been funded by the Department for Education and Skills (DFES) to
run a Safeguarding African Children Advocacy Project in
3. The Role
of Faith Organisations in Safeguarding African Children conference forms part
of our Safeguarding Children in London Project that aims to work with different
agencies to promote the welfare of African children in the
capital. This event is being held as part of AFRUCA’s 5th anniversary.
4. For
press enquiries and interviews contact Debbie
Ariyo Executive Director AFRUCA Mob: 07947 996 448 Work: 020
7704 2261
5. For further information about the event or to
register, please contact Elvina Quaison by e-mail: Elvina@afruca.org. or visit www.afruca.org