The Impact Of Child Sexual Violence On The Protection of Children’s Human Rights Amid The Covid-19 Crisis In Mozambique: Evidence From Maputo Province (2020–2022)

Written by: Jorge Baptista, Bachelor and Licentiate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, Master in Law and Security, Researcher, Centre for Legal and Judicial Training (CFJJ) – Ministry of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs – Maputo, Mozambique

Abstract

This study analyzes the impact of child sexual violence on the protection of children’s human rights in Mozambique, focusing on the Province of Maputo during the Covid-19 pandemic (2020–2022). The research revealed that the health crisis exacerbated child vulnerability and exposed structural weaknesses within the national protection system. Confinement measures, school closures, and the restriction of essential services contributed to an increase in sexual abuse, particularly in family and community contexts marked by poverty, gender inequality, and discriminatory sociocultural practices. The investigation, qualitative in nature, was based on field research conducted between 2023 and 2024, involving semi-structured interviews, direct observation, and case analysis. Fourteen key informants (four men and ten women) were selected according to social representativeness. Data, analyzed through scientific triangulation, were compared with specialized literature and relevant national and international legal instruments, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Law No. 7/2008 of 9 July on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of the Child, and Law No. 19/2019 of 11 December on the Prevention and Elimination of Early Unions. Findings indicate that child sexual violence constitutes a serious and multidimensional violation that affects the physical, emotional, psychological, educational, social, and economic dimensions of victims’ lives. The consequences include sexually transmitted infections, early pregnancies, psychological trauma, school dropout, social exclusion, community marginalization, and the perpetuation of poverty cycles. The pandemic further intensified this situation by reducing the number of reported cases and weakening institutional protection and support mechanisms. The study concludes that child sexual violence is a structural and systemic problem that undermines human dignity and sustainable development. Sociocultural factors such as persistent impunity, fear, and the culture of silence limit the effectiveness of public policies and hinder the accountability of perpetrators. It is therefore recommended, as a priority, to strengthen the effective enforcement of existing laws, coupled with continuous capacity-building for justice system professionals and the establishment of community-based support and reporting mechanisms. Reinforcing protection structures and promoting a culture of child rights advocacy are essential to safeguarding the physical, emotional, and social integrity of children and to building a more just and humane Mozambique.

Keywords: child sexual violence ,human rights,Mozambique, Covid-19, child protection.

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