The Minister of Community Development and Social Services Ms. Doreen Mwamba has today addressed the Children’s Parliament with an assurance of government’s support in uplifting their welfare in various sectors.

The Children’s Parliament which was held in commemoration of World Children’s Day, accorded children from across the country a parliamentary feel of what goes on in the house in terms of debate and related activities.

The children therefore ably used the occasion to debate wide-ranging issues and presented their ‘call to action’ on various issues such as access to quality education, sanitation, and menstrual health among others.

Other critical issues they brought to the floor of the house included child neglect, abuse, exploitation, and streetism , with a call to government and other stakeholders to expeditiously move in and address them.

The Minister therefore reaffirmed government’s commitment to the protection and promotion of children’s rights as enshrined in the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022.

Ms. Mwamba cited the introduction of free education, the re-entry policy, and increased budgetary allocation to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) as some of government’s key initiatives that support education among children.

The Minister however condemned the alarming rise in child abuse cases, including ritual murders and abductions, which she regrettably said are often committed by individuals who should be the ones to protect and care for children.

The Minister further emphasized the importance of child participation in the development process and in activities that promote their well-being, such as sports, school projects, and religious activities.

Ms. Mwamba further cautioned the children on the need to be responsible while they enjoy their rights and urged them to focus on the positive aspects of their lives and refrain from engaging in vices that detrimental to their wellbeing.