The 11th International Consultation of Child Helplines Conference has officially opened in Livingstone with a call for stakeholders to collaborate in addressing mental health challenges affecting children globally.
Under the theme “Children at the Centre: A Global Voice for Mental Health, Violence Prevention and Response.” Minister of community Development and Social Services, Ms Doreen Mwamba officially opened the conference with a challenge to stakeholders to not listen to the voices of children but also place them at the very heart of policies, programmes, and protection systems.
She however observed with satisfaction that this consultation’s focus on mental health is especially critical as it comes at a time when the world is witnessing a silent crisis, an epidemic of anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress affecting millions of children which requires to act with urgency and compassion.
The Minister further observed that helplines are often the first safe space to which a child reaches out and must therefore be strengthened, funded, and equipped to respond not just to crises of violence, but also to the silent suffering of mental health challenges.
“As we deliberate during this landmark conference, let us leave here not only inspired but committed to turning dialogue into action, ideas into impact, and partnerships into progress”, she said.
She therefore observed that child helplines are more than just phone numbers, but are lifelines and beacons of hope, voices of empathy, and instruments of justice.
Ms. Mwamba disclosed that Zambia has made strides in ending violence against children through decisive legislative and policy reforms, as well as targeted investments in sectors that promote children’s well-being.
International Child Helplines, Executive Director, Ms. Helen Mason, called for an end to early and forced marriages and other abuses against children in order to start addressing mental issues affecting them.
And Livingstone Mayor, Her Worship Ms. Constance Nalishaebo Muleabai said protection of children lies at the centre of human dignity and justice and requires concerted efforts to effectively address.
Child Helpline International
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