FOREWORD Since the advent of the ‘new dispensation’, violence has increased as reported in our ‘New Deception Report.’ In a number of analytical reports released by the Forum this year, it has become abundantly clear that the violence is not random but systematic. The worst part of this reality is that, not even children are spared of this violence. “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa In this report, we have taken the events of January 2019 and put them under scrutiny in the light of children’s rights. This report gives a detailed analysis of the direct and structural violence against children. On structural violence we address the defects in the legal framework and the structures that are supposed to protect children and expose the loopholes and notoriety of the system. On direct violence we look at intentional infliction of physical or psychological harm on children at the hands of state agents and their ancillaries. With this lens, we try to show that addressing children’s rights requires a more integrated approach that fixes not only the structures and the law, but also the behavioural aspect. In identifying the specific cases and locations as well as specific violations, we assert the authenticity of the reports and seek to reduce deniability. The report goes further to look not only at the domestic framework but also at the regional and international standards. For a government that is seeking international re-engagement, there is no better way to make the case for re-engagement than embracing global human rights standards in protection of children. As we commemorate the 2019 International Children's Day, this report invites us to ‘hear the cry’ of our children who find themselves in a man-made hell of injustice at the hands of the state and advocate for their safeguarding and protection. Implementing the recommendations outlined in this report is the first step towards making our children safe and our future more secure. ii ‘Hear them Cry ’ – An Analysis of State Violence Against Children During the January 2019 Protests