ICPU
Independent Child Protection Unit
We are an independent children’s rights watchdog dedicated to restore and strengthen the child protection system across South Africa. Established in response to the growing number of children affected by abuse, neglect, exploitation, and trafficking, the ICPU operates as a neutral, non-governmental body committed to accountability, rapid intervention, and systemic reform.
Our work focuses on protecting the rights and wellbeing of children by supporting communities, professionals, and institutions in preventing and responding effectively to child protection threats. We collaborate with schools, faith-based organisations, foster care systems, health services, the justice sector, and civil society to close protection gaps and hold duty-bearers accountable.
OUR CORE FUNCTIONS
Oversight & Accountability: Monitoring institutional compliance with child protection laws and standards.
Rapid Response: Coordinating emergency interventions with social services, police, and private partners to ensure child safety.
Capacity Building: Training professionals, caregivers, and community members on child protection, child abuse indicators, trafficking, and legislation.
Policy Support: Assisting organisations in developing compliant safeguarding frameworks and codes of conduct.
Advocacy: Promoting legislative reform, system improvements, and community awareness to uphold children’s rights.
THE RIGHTS WE PROTECT
1. Right to Protection from Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation
Every child has the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, neglect, trafficking, and exploitation.
➡️ The ICPU investigates systemic failures where children have been harmed or left unprotected.
2. Right to Family Care or Alternative Care
Children have the right to live with their families, or if that’s not safe, to be placed in suitable alternative care.
➡️ The ICPU monitors how state systems handle removals, foster placements, and institutional care.
3. Right to Basic Nutrition, Shelter, Health Care, and Social Services
Every child has the right to access food, a safe home, medical care, and social support.
➡️ The ICPU reviews failures where children were denied essential care or services.
4. Right to Education
Children have the right to free and quality education without discrimination.
➡️ The ICPU addresses cases where children are denied schooling due to neglect, exclusion, or systemic barriers.
5. Right to Identity
hildren have the right to a name, nationality, and legal identity from birth.
➡️ The ICPU intervenes in matters where children are undocumented or denied birth registration.
6. Right to Justice and Due Process
Children involved in legal or protective matters have the right to fair treatment and proper representation.
➡️ The ICPU reviews cases where justice processes failed to protect or respect children’s rights.
7. Right to Health Care
Every child has the right to access quality healthcare, treatment, and rehabilitation when needed.
➡️ The ICPU reviews cases where children were denied medical care or where healthcare systems failed to respond to abuse indicators.
8. Right to Sport, Recreation, and Play
Children have the right to participate in play, sport, and cultural life.
➡️ The ICPU works with SASCOC and sporting bodies to investigate and address reports of abuse in sport.
9. Right to be Heard and Participate
Children have the right to express their opinions and be heard in decisions affecting them.
➡️ The ICPU ensures children’s voices are considered in reviews and systemic reforms.
10. Right to Freedom of Thought, Religion, and Belief
Every child has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, and to practice their faith without discrimination or coercion.
➡️ The ICPU protects children from religious-based harm, discrimination, or forced practices, while promoting respect for diverse beliefs within safe environments.
ONE OF THE MANY WE COULD NOT SAVE
The ICPU is seeking justice for little Thabang and many others who died unheard, painful, savage and without justice.