Government has pledged to mobilise resources and coordinate efforts to ensure no child is left unprotected as the country convenes the National Child Protection Conference against a backdrop of rising online and offline threats to children.
Speaking at the opening of the four-day conference this Tuesday, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Edgar Moyo said government is committed to strengthening the country’s child protection system through sustained investment and implementation of the National Action Plan for Children.
“We stand united in our resolve. We will mobilise resources, knowledge and partnerships so that no child in Zimbabwe is left unprotected, unsupported or unheard. Every child deserves to grow up safe, nurtured and empowered to reach their full potential and together we will make this promise a reality,” he said.
The conference, running from 7 to 10 July, has brought together government, United Nations agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector, academia, regional delegates and children to tackle violence against children, child marriage and technology-facilitated abuse.
Recent data shows that 64 percent of children experience violent discipline, 43 percent of children under five remain unregistered, and 21.2 percent of girls aged 15 to 18 are affected by child marriage.
Sweden’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Per Lindgärde, said although Zimbabwe has made progress in strengthening child protection systems, more investment and collaboration are needed.
“Sweden is encouraged by the progress Zimbabwe has made in strengthening child protection systems over the past decade, but the challenges facing children today remind us that more must be done. By working together to uphold the rights of every child, we can build a future where all children are safe, included and able to thrive,” he said.
UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe, Etona Ekole, said protecting children requires sustained investment and coordinated action.
“Protecting children requires strong systems, sustained investment and coordinated action across sectors,” he said.
The conference will also host a High-Level Dialogue on sustainable financing for child protection and is expected to conclude with a National Child Protection Outcome Statement, financing pledges and a roadmap to strengthen Zimbabwe’s child protection system.
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