MINISTER CALLS FOR COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CHILDREN’S CODE ACT – Ministry of Community Development and Social Services

January 18 2023
Naomy Tshindaye

Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Ms. Doreen Mwamba has called for stakeholder collaboration in the implementation of the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022.

She says the Act is very progressive in the enhancement of Children’s rights and welfare, but requires everyone to come on board in support, for it to work effectively.

Speaking when she paid a courtesy call on the Central Province Minister, Mr. Credo Nanjulwa, Ms. Mwamba reiterated that, contrary to assertions that it gives too much freedom to children, the Act actually provides a clear legal framework to implement child friendly policies that border on the promotion and protection of their rights.

“We are not going to leave our children behind as we talk development” Ms. Mwamba said further emphazing that there is no clause saying children must not be responsible, but actually promotes parental responsibility in the promotion of children’s values and principles.

She noted that the law now provides for punitive measures for parents who deliberately neglect their children to wander off in the streets and also guides against vices such as early marriages, among other progressive clauses.

Ms. Mwamba has since encouraged stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the Children’s Code Act so that they can help government in its quest to promote children’s welfare across the country.

And Central Province Minister, Mr. Credo Nanjuwa is happy that the country now has a legal framework to address issues on children.

He pledged to fully support the implementation of the Act in the province by collaborating with other stakeholders and spearheading monitoring of children related programmes.

And Mr Nanjuwa has further appreciated the success stories coming out of the implementation of various social protection programmes under the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services.

He told the Minister that the Social Cash Transfer programme, for example, has made tremendous progress and significantly improved the welfare of the vulnerable in society.