MISA Zimbabwe commends plans by the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Victim Friendly Unit to strengthen child protection online.
This follows a donation of 19 computers and ancillary equipment on 2 August 2017 by Save the Children, an organisation that deals with the rights of children.
Receiving the equipment, Deputy Commissioner-General (Crime), Josephine Shambare, said it would be distributed to 10 police stations to enable the handling and processing of data on online child sexual violence, which is increasing alarmingly.
The donation is part of Save the Children’ Online Safety for Children pilot project, currently being implemented in Harare Province. Commissioner-General Shambare said the donation was timely as the police are currently computerising their systems to adapt to new communication technologies in fighting crimes online.
MISA Zimbabwe said the police’s partnership with Save the Children, should serve as an example of the importance of multi-stakeholder internet governance processes in the country.
It is important for stakeholders to work together in ensuring a safe internet environment where citizens can freely enjoy their rights online. It is MISA Zimbabwe’s hope that other relevant authorities will be receptive to similar efforts as the country moves towards ensuring democratic internet governance.
