Church Alliance speaks on cell death of child

The Church Alliance for Orphans (CAFO) has taken note with shock and dismay of the death of a 4-year old child who was held with his mother in the Wanaheda police cells.
The death of a child is one loss too many.
It sadly reflects on how the rights of vulnerable children who are unable to speak for themselves, are negated.
It is a direct contravention with the Convention on the Rights of the Child to which Namibia is a signatory (the best interest of the child, the protection of the rights of the child, protection from all forms of violence).

We condemn the conditions under which this death took place. Police cells are no place for innocent young children. In the past the deplorable conditions in our prisons have been brought to the attention of the relevant authorities. Children should get the protection they are guaranteed to have. It is clear the system failed to protect little Fortuna.
It calls for urgent action to address the situation of other children that may be in similar situations.
CAFO calls on the government, as a matter of urgency, to investigate this specific incident, and to ensure that similar situations, where children could be harmed, are avoided in future.
Dr Henry G Platt
Executive Director
Church Alliance for Orphans