The United Nations has commended Zambia for its unwavering leadership, strong partnerships, and sustained commitment to advancing and protecting the rights of children.

Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Violence against Children, Dr. Najat Malla, praised Zambia’s progress during an engagement with Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Ms. Angela Kawandami, on the margins of the ongoing 64th Session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD64) in New York.

Dr. Malla congratulated the Government of Zambia for its continued leadership in the fight to end violence against children (VAC), highlighting the country’s integrated and multi-sectoral approach as a model worth emulating.

The discussions focused on key developmental milestones and Zambia’s sustained efforts to address all forms of violence against children, particularly through strengthened social protection systems and women’s economic empowerment initiatives.

Among the notable achievements highlighted were Zambia’s progress in reducing child marriage through the implementation of a national strategy, as well as the impact of school feeding programmes, which have significantly improved school attendance, reduced drop-out rates, and enhanced literacy levels among learners.

Dr. Malla also applauded Zambia for adopting the Child Online Protection Strategy, a critical step in safeguarding children in digital spaces, and for investing in the social service workforce in line with the Social Service Workforce Investment Case.

She noted that these interventions demonstrate Zambia’s strong political will and commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and enabling environment for children.

Zambia continues to register steady and impactful progress in advancing children’s rights, reinforcing its resolve to secure a brighter, safer, and more prosperous future where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.