The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has commended the government of Zimbabwe for passing a new law that raises the age of consent for sexual activity to 18 years.
The legislation aims to criminalize sexual relations between adults and children in order to reduce the incidence of child sexual abuse.
Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, head of UNICEF in Zimbabwe, said the law is in line with recent amendments to the Marriage Act, which prohibits marriage before the age of 18, and expressed gratitude for the positive legislative changes in the southern African country.
"We as UNICEF see these two legislations as critical legal instruments that will come towards ensuring that our children especially the adolescent girls are safe and protected," he said.
The UNICEF official added: "Together with the Government, partners, donors, parents and community, our resolution towards ensuring a safe environment for our children is absolute and we appreciate the opportunity that we have with this improvement in the legislative environment."
The impact of sexual violence on children, both physically and psychologically, can disrupt their education, lead to mental health problems, and affect their future sexual well-being, according to human rights advocates. It can also result in early pregnancy, which often leads to child marriage and dropping out of school.