GOVERNMENT COMMITED TO ELIMINATE HARMFUL PRACTICES ON CHILDREN

By ANNIE ZULU

Government is committed to eliminating all harmful practices against children in Zambia, Acting Community Development and Social Services Minister Chushi Kasanda has said.

In a speech read on her behalf by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mrs Beatrice Chilufya Darko at the commemoration of the Day of The African Child in Lusaka, Ms Kasanda noted that children were the country’s future and as such, must be protected.

Ms Kasanda said Government will therefore, endeavor to mobilize and enhance partnerships with its stakeholders to work towards ending harmful practices that stands in the rights of children.

She noted that this year's commemoration whose theme is “Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children: Progress on Policy and Practices Since 2013”, accords Zambia an opportunity to reflect on its commitment towards children under the African Charter for the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

“The commemoration of the Day of an African Child accords us an opportunity, each year to reflect on how we have performed collectively in implementing interventions aimed at safeguarding the wellbeing and development of our Zambian children,” Ms Kasanda said.

At the same event, the simplified version of the African Charter on The Rights of Children and the research report on Gender, Climate Change and Education were launched by Plan International.

The Minister said Government will ensure that the document is made accessible to all children in Zambia so as to enable them learn about their rights and responsibilities.

She also called for child-led climate-adaption initiatives, so as to promote their participation in decision-making.

Meanwhile, Plan International acknowledged Government’s towards eliminating harmful practices affecting children.

In a speech read on his behalf by Plan International Influencing Specialist Annely Imasiku, Country Director James Pimundu said Zambia is making strides in ensuring the wellbeing of children in Zambia.

Mr Pimundu noted that this has been evidenced by various documents that Government is putting in place such as the 2021-2025 National Prevention and Response Plan on Ending Violence against Children, Strategy on ending Child Marriage and the Children’s Code Bill among other.

And In giving a vote of thanks, Youth Activist Nelly Ndhlovu thanked Government and its stakeholders for their efforts in creating a safe environment for children to grow and realize their potential.