Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Violence against Children, Dr. Najat Malla, is in Zambia for a series of developmental collaborations centred on ending violence against children.
The visit also seeks to strengthen partnerships on matters affecting children in Zambia and Southern Africa, through enhanced implementation of legislation and policies.
Welcomed by the Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Ms. Doreen Mwamba, when she paid a courtesy call on her, Dr. Malla underscored the need to streamline children-centred policies to effectively address their issues.
She has further congratulated Zambia for enacting the Children’s Code Act, and for having in place policies such as Child Participation and Safeguarding, which are key in protecting and promoting the rights of children.
Dr. Malla is also expected to visit sites for first-hand engagement with children, families and social services frontline workers addressing violence against children in Zambia.
She is optimistic that through a coordinated multi-sectoral approach, gaps in the implementation of policies that border on children will be addressed.
Meanwhile, Ms. Mwamba appreciated the UN delegation for prioritizing visiting Zambia to appreciate the success stories, and to provide efforts to promote Children’s rights.
The Minister said Zambia is therefore committed to creating minimum conditions in law and policy needed to end violence against children.
“An adequate institutional policy and legislative framework has been established to implement various interventions aimed at ensuring the protection of children to help them survive and thrive in society” Ms. Mwamba further said.
