The Ministry of Gender, Family and Human Rights has released a statement regarding the issue of children being involved in street begging.

The ministry has said it will take legal action against those responsible for involving children in begging, and those who allow children to stay unaccompanied in the premises of the local market .

The ministry expressed concern that street vendors in the local market have young children, some of school-age, accompanying them. The statement says they find the issue further worrisome as they have noticed that arguments are common there, and foul language is often used in the presence of minors.

The statement further notes that they have observed children playing in the sun, taking meals and sleeping in the same area. The ministry notes that these actions may have a negative effect on the child’s growth and behaviour, and as such are risks to their safety, health and physical well-being.

The ministry further states that exposing children to such environments would have a detrimental impact on their education and upbringing. It states that this bringing up children in this manner is against the law, referring to the Child Protection Act.

The Ministry of Gender, Family and Human Rights was unable to further comment on the issue at time of press.

Minivan News reported in January that a number of elderly people had been forced out of home and had begun sleeping in the local market.