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GOVT. REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO IMPROVED CHILD WELFARE 

GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting child protection in the country.

Lusaka Province Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary, Gideon Mwanza says government was steadfastly committed to supporting child protection.

Professor Mwanza said this when he officiated at a 3-day joint child protection system strengthening for District Child Protection Committees and village indunas held at Barn Motel.

“The government of the republic of Zambia under the leadership of the Republican President, Dr. Hakainde Hichilema attaches great importance to child protection issues in the Country,” said Prof Mwanza.

He stressed that government’s concern to issues of child protection can be demonstrated by the number of policies and laws so far enacted which are all aimed at uplifting the wellbeing of the children through protection rights.

“You may recall that in 2022 which was barely one year after President Hakainde Hichilema was elected into office, he assented to the Children’s code ACT. No. 12 of 2022,” added Prof Mwanza.

The Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary said that enactment of the Children’s code was a milestone in that the Act consolidated all pieces of legislation pertaining to children.

In the Children’s code the definition of a child was now uniform in all pieces of legislation referring to a child as any person below the age of 19.

Meanwhile, Rufunsa and Chongwe District Commissioners have commended World Vision Zambia Chongwe Cluster for supplementing government’s efforts in uplifting the wellbeing of people in communities especially the children.

Rufunsa District Commissioner Richard Mabena said that World Vision Zambia has been an all-weather friend and partner in child development in Rufunsa District.

“May I take this opportunity to thank World Vision Zambia Chongwe cluster for complementing and supplementing government efforts to improve the wellbeing of the children in our communities,” said Mr Mabena.

His Chongwe counterpart Evans Lupiya urged the participants drawn from Chiefdoms councils, the church, some government departments among others to help the government in the implementation of the Children’s Code Act. Number 12 of 2022.

Dr Lupiya said the actualization of the Children’s code Act needs concerted efforts from all stakeholders, especially the traditional leadership.

He appreciated the support the government is receiving from partners such as World Vision Zambia in protecting the welfare of children.

“Our Traditional leaders, it is my humble appeal that you help us curb negative vices that our children go through in the name of tradition and culture. Some vices such as forcing children into marriage just because one is pregnant is not good for society and our children,” said Dr. Lupiya.

The Traditional leadership and the church appreciated the training but called for stakeholders’ consultative meetings to critically analyse the children’s code Act. No. 12 of 2022.

The Traditional Leaders and the Church said since the Act defines a child as any person below the age of 19, there was a need to differentiate some of the rights that have been given to the children especially on criminal offences.