OVER Euro 600,000 has been raised to support UNICEF programmes aiming at stopping abuse of children in the islands.

Thanks to Melia tourist hotels for raising the funds through sale of show tickets and special accommodation packages. "We have a role to play in the war against child abuse, and we are thankful to the donators," said Mr Marko Janssen, General Manager of the Hotel - Zanzibar after fundraising gala dinner at Kiwengwa, North Unguja.

He informed the gathering that social challenges including abuse of children need concerted efforts for resolve, and that the campaign to collect funds started in November 2010. Mr Andy Brooks from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the world's leading children's charity protecting the rights of children and young people, said the rights of children include protection and educating them.

He said surveys in different countries show that one-in-three female children have been abused, while onein- seven male children face the same problem, "an indication that violation of children rights is still a real challenge".

Brooks said that children in Zanzibar and Tanzania in general were equally vulnerable and should be protected. He attributed to negligence, lack of parental care and disregard of laws on safeguarded children rights.