The Civil Society Learning and Training Centre (CESC), a Mozambican non-governmental organization (NGO), is calling on the Ministry of Education and Human Development to stop classes in order to ensure the safety of children due to demonstrations against the country's election results.

In a note published on its website, the CESC considers that the police repression of demonstrations called to protest against the election results has reached levels of uncontrolled violence in the main Mozambican cities and towns, with a record of more than 20 citizens killed and dozens more injured. The situation therefore puts the fundamental rights of citizens at risk, including children, who are the most vulnerable group."

"As happened this Monday (November 4), when a child was shot dead by the police in the Magoanine neighborhood, Maputo city, on his way home from school. Also in Maputo city, another child was shot in the Chamanculo neighborhood. We call on the Ministry of Education to instruct all schools to stop classes immediately, as long as the situation of violence prevails," he said.

This measure, according to the CESC, serves to safeguard children's fundamental rights, especially the right to life and physical integrity.

"MINEDH should also postpone the final exams scheduled for the week of November 11-15, 2024 to allow students time to better prepare. If during COVID-19 children were deprived of classes to safeguard a greater good - their health, today there is no reason for the education sector to rush into decisions whose consequences could be devastating for families," he added.

(Photo DR)