DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The UN in Tanzania on Tuesday condemned the recent suspected ritual killing of 10 children in the east African nation's southern highland region of Njombe.
"The United Nations in Tanzania offers its deepest condolences to the families and communities of children who have been brutally murdered in Njombe over the last few weeks," the UN said in a statement.
The statement said the attack and murder of children is unacceptable.
"Children have a fundamental right to be safe and be protected from violence so that they can enjoy their childhood and reach their full potential," the statement said.
"The UN joins the government of the United Republic of Tanzania in condemning these heinous acts. As the UN, we stand ready to support the government in their efforts to address the issue," said Alvaro Rodriguez, UN Resident Coordinator in Tanzania.
"Additionally, we call upon all stakeholders to join hands to ensure that homes, schools and communities are safe spaces for children," added Rodriguez.
The statement said children were exposed to extreme forms of violence and exploitation in many parts of the world.
"This has to stop," said Maniza Zaman, UNICEF Representative in Tanzania, adding that no form of violence or abuse against a child is acceptable or permissible for any reason and such act is an outright violation of their basic human rights.
Ruth Msafiri, Njombe District Commissioner, said on Monday a total of 10 children's dead bodies were discovered in different parts of the town, some being slaughtered and their body parts removed.
The Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, Hamad Masauni, swore that the government will hunt all the killers and bring them to book.
