Some hotel institutions and associations which are against human traffic signed the Charter to refuse providing alcohol to under 18.-By Yves Didier Irakoze
… the alcohol consumption to young is excessive and if nothing is done very urgently, the situation may get from bad to worse ©Iwacu
“The best tool used by human traffickers is alcohol to accomplish their evil mission and children are the most targeted group,” points out Florence Boivin, President of Justice and Equity. According to her, the alcohol consumption to young is excessive and if nothing is done very urgently, the situation may get from bad to worse. “Then, let’s fight and act now,” states Florence.
That is the reason why, she says, her institution, some hotels’ owners, associations and civil society institutions gathered in Burundi Alcohol Policy Alliance (BAPA) signed the Charter to protect and fight against alcohol consumption and abuse to U-18.
The signatories of the Charter agree not provide alcohol to under 18 persons. For u-18 persons who would like to cheat, they will have to present their identity card before being served alcohol drink.
“This is for the protection of our children. We have to protect them against alcohol abuse. We don’t have to see only our benefit but preserve our youths who are the future of the country,” points out the owner of “Club du Lac Tanganyika”.
Florence Boivin urges other hotels owners who haven’t yet signed the Charter to join others for the significantly useful initiative to protect the youths.
“This is the beginning; we hope that other pubs, restaurants and hotels will follow the example of others,” mentions Florence Boivin
The law should be reviewed
According to the lawyer who belongs to the group of lawyers who joined the movement of fighting against human traffic and alcohol consumption to the youths, the law on consuming alcohol under 18 doesn’t stipulate strong and rigorous measures or punishment to the consumer. This law only stipulates that it is strictly forbidden to provide alcohol drinking to U-18. He highlights that this law on consuming alcohol by U-18 should be reviewed and be adjusted accordingly.
“The government should take the issue in hand and it is its responsibility and duty to protect its citizens and particularly the youths. It has to set up appropriate measures which sanction alcohol abuse to the youths very harshly because today, we are attending a frightening situation which is spreading dangerously in the country,” points out the lawyer.
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The hotels that signed the Charter are “Club du Lac Tanganika”, Sun safari, Safari Gate hotels, New Agena, Star Hotel and Rehoboth of Gitega.
IWACU Open Data
