By A Correspondent

In a groundbreaking move, the Government of Zimbabwe has announced the Criminal Laws Amendment Act (Protection of Children and Young Persons Act 2024, Number 1), making it a criminal offense to engage in sexual activities with individuals under 18 years old ¹. This landmark legislation aims to safeguard vulnerable children and young persons from sexual exploitation.

Key Provisions of the Act

• Age of Consent: The law unequivocally states that sexual relations with persons under 18 are criminal, regardless of consent ¹.
• No Defense: Consent from the minor is not an acceptable defense, ensuring perpetrators are held accountable ¹.
• STI Transmission: Infecting a child with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is now considered a serious offense ¹.

A Long-Awaited Victory

This development is a significant triumph for child rights advocates, particularly following the Constitutional Court’s 2022 ruling that raised the age of consent from 16 to 18 ². World Vision, a prominent child welfare organization, has welcomed this move, highlighting Zimbabwe’s progress in protecting children against sexual violence ¹.

Implications and Next Steps

The new law sends a strong message that sexual exploitation of minors will not be tolerated. Its implementation is crucial in:

• Preventing Child Marriages: By setting the age of consent at 18, the law helps prevent forced marriages and protects young girls from exploitation ².
• Supporting Victims: The legislation provides a framework for supporting and protecting victims of sexual exploitation ¹.
• Holding Perpetrators Accountable: The law ensures that those responsible for sexual offenses against minors face justice ¹.