Zambia joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Children’s Day, with national celebrations held under the theme “My Day, My Rights. From Promises to Action.”
The event brought together government officials, children, civil society organisations, and development partners to honour the rights, voices, and dreams of the country’s youngest citizens.
Officiating at the national commemoration, Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Ms. Doreen Mwamba, in a speech read on her behalf by Acting Minister, Brenda Tambatamba, pledged government’s commitment to uphold children’s rights and continue to protect, nurture, and empower every child.
“This is a day dedicated to honouring the rights, voices, and dreams of every child. It reminds us to recommit ourselves to building a Zambia where no child is left behind,” She said.
She acknowledged that the World Children’s Day serves as an important reminder of the collective responsibility to ensure that every child in Zambia grows up safe, healthy, educated, protected, and empowered.
She stated that this year’s theme comes at a critical time, as children across the globe face increasing violations of their rights, including early and forced marriages, various forms of violence, teenage pregnancies, alcohol and substance abuse, and defilement.
“Our children deserve to grow up in an environment where their rights to survival, protection, development, and participation are fully realized, enabling them to thrive and reach their full potential,” she said, further emphasizing the need to invest heavily in child welfare and development in order to have a stable, safe, and sustainable future for our country.
The Minister outlined key actions government has taken in a bid to advance children’s rights which include the enactment of the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022, the introduction of free education, and the establishment of national frameworks aimed at enhancing child safety and participation.
Other notable measures highlighted were the establishment of the Parliamentary Caucus on Children and the Children’s Parliament, the strengthening of the Zambia Police’s Victim Support Unit and Child Protection Unit, increased Constituency Development Fund allocations for bursaries, and the implementation of the Keeping Girls in School programme aimed at reducing teenage pregnancies and early forced marriages.
She appealed to the young people to avoid harmful behaviours such as substance abuse, child marriages, teenage pregnancies, and the misuse of social media.
UNICEF Country Representative Dr. Saja Abdullah reiterated the organization’s commitment to working alongside Government, partners, communities, and children themselves to ensure that no child is left behind.
“When a child escapes poverty, the whole nation rises. When a girl is educated, her community thrives. When a child is protected, the cycle of violence ends,” she added, and urged leaders at all levels to move decisively from promises to action in advancing children’s rights.
Addressing children directly, both those in attendance and those participating online across the country, the representative stressed that their rights are guarantees, not gifts and encouraged young people to speak out and share their experiences, noting that “when children speak, the world must listen.”
Giving her vote of thanks, 15 year old Einess Bwalya of Chinsali District commended government and Cooperating Partners for prioritizing the welfare of children.
The day which is commemorated on 20th November annually, marks the anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, a landmark commitment to safeguarding children worldwide.
Unicef Zambia
Plan International Zambia
Story and picture credit: Ministry of Community Development and Social Services
