Injustice in paradise
Rebecca lives in paradise.
She is eight years old, goes to school everyday and loves to sing and dance.
Rebecca’s home, Bussi Island, is a small gem nestling in the shimmering waters of Lake Victoria where the sunset silloutees of fisherman hide the more sinister undertones of life for children here.
Like so many other girls of her age across Uganda, Rebecca is often forced to carry heavy loads that harm her physical development. She is frequently beaten and tragically, there is a very high chance that she will experience some form of sexual abuse before she reaches adulthood.
Protecting children
A few years ago, BMS partners – the Ugandan Christian Lawyers’ Fraternity (UCLF), developed a biblical and legally-based child rights programme amongst grassroots communities across Uganda.
BMS long-term mission worker, Steven Sanderson, designed the programme to help people think about how children can best be protected and given the opportunity to fulfil their God given potential, free of harm and exploitation.
Legal education trip to Bussi Island
In late November 2008 we travelled to Bussi Island with the UCLF legal education team, with whom we are now working. Over a period of a few days we helped to conduct some Christian legal workshops, focusing on the issues of child rights.
Graeme and Senki (the UCLF legal aid advocate), focused on teaching children in schools and community members about what the Bible and Ugandan law have to say about the care, development and protection of children.
Jenny, Steve and Christine (the UCLF legal education co-ordinator), focussed on training community leaders – including church pastors – to become community rights activists.
The aim of this is so that they can act as advocates for the marginalised, voiceless and vulnerable in their respective communities.
A hopeful future
Access to justice remains a big problem on Bussi Island where there are no police or courts.
However, if a community can police itself in a just manner and be
empowered with knowledge to stand up against child abuse and
exploitation, and if people can capture a vision for God’s heart for
justice, Rebecca’s home may well become the paradise island it appears
to be.
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