UN hails Zambia’s progress on child protection policies

Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General on Violence against Children, Najat Maalla, has hailed Zambia for its strides towards child protection.

Maalla pointed out the enactment of the Children’s Code Act as one of the biggest steps taken by Zambia to protect the rights of children.

She recognised that children were future leaders and, therefore, their rights must be upheld.

The UN Special Representative said this when she visited Chikumbi Children’s Home on Friday, a transit home for children found and living on the streets in Chibombo District.

The Transit Home is a government grant-aided institution under the Department of Child Development in the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services.

It provides temporal shelter, care and support to the vulnerable children picked from the streets while facilitating for rehabilitation and re-integration into their respective families.

Maalla also took time to interact with the children to appreciate their progress and some of the challenges they were facing.

Meanwhile, Community Development and Social Services Minister, Doreen Mwamba, reiterated government’s commitment in ensuring that no child was found living or working on the street.

“It is government’s vision to remove every child from the streets of Zambia and provide them with a safer space where they could receive all the services they need.

“This is why we want to make Chikumbi Transit Home a centre of excellence that where the children can receive shelter, clothing, food, psycho-social and rehabilitation among others,” Mwamba said.

Speaking on behalf of the children, Blessing Kalumba, expressed gratitude to government for putting in place the Children’s law, stating that the will enhance the promotion and protection of all children from all forms of violence.

He further encouraged other children to respect parents and guardians and stay away from the streets.

UNICEF Representative to Zambia, Penelope Campbell, applauded government for its efforts towards providing vulnerable children with shelters.