GOVERNMENT has launched the Street Outreach Guidelines that is aimed at addressing challenges faced by the children working and living on the streets.

Speaking during the launch, Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Doreen Mwamba says that the government is committed towards protection and promotions of children’s rights relating to children on the streets.

She noted that the streets have become an escape from abuse by many children facing abuse, despite the new and greater dangers it poses on them.

“As government, our deepest desire is to see that every child grows up in a home and has a family to belong to,” said Ms Mwamba

She added that the government is working with various stakeholders to identify core drivers that lead to young people working and living on the streets, in order to deal with the problem effectively.

The Minister urged members of the society to refrain from giving arms and buying from street children in order to stop funding their means of staying on the street.

And United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Deputy Representative, Operations, Henri Heikura, urged the government to provide specialised services for the children on the streets and help them reconnect with their families.

He added that the implementation of the guidelines will lead to accessibility of social services by the children on the streets such as social welfare, education, health and justice among others.

Meanwhile, Zambia Police Inspector General, Graphel Musamba, who was represented by Community Services Directorate Director, Joseph Shanampota said the Zambia Police is committed to protecting vulnerable members of society and the children.

He added that the guidelines will serve as a comprehensive tool to streamline efforts and strengthen coordination and ensure that children in the streets are protected, supported and given an opportunity to thrive.