The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) reported a total of 8,746 complaints related to child protection issues in 2024, with 580 cases involving sexual abuse.
Among the sexual abuse complaints, 321 were categorized as serious cases, highlighting the urgent need for action.
The highest number of complaints, 2,746, were related to general child protection concerns, followed by 1,950 cases of child cruelty and 229 instances of child exploitation.
Additional complaints included 42 cases of rape, 25 involving commercial sexual exploitation, 14 related to child marriages, and 151 concerning threats of releasing nude photos online.
The NCPA also received 18 complaints about attempted suicide, 120 on drug addiction, and 53 concerning underage pregnancies, reflecting a wide range of challenges faced by children.
A further 39 complaints were made about children lacking birth certificates, an issue affecting access to basic rights and services.
To strengthen legal support for victims of child abuse, the NCPA is forming a pool of qualified lawyers to provide free legal services, ensuring victims receive proper representation in courts.
Experienced lawyers willing to assist victims are encouraged to apply, as the NCPA seeks to ensure justice without conflicts of interest.
