Govt committed to strengthening children’s rights

Govt committed to strengthening children’s rights

Lusaka, 22nd August, 2014, ZANIS–Government has reaffirmed its commitment towards the protection and promotion of children’s rights in the country.

Minister of Gender and Child Development Inonge Wina said the commitment is visible through the review of the National Child Policy, Launch of the Campaign against Child Marriages and implementation of programs meant to alleviate poverty in community and households among others.

She said this at the launch of the three rising projects at Bauleni Special Needs School in Lusaka today.

The three rising projects consists of the Zambia Rising, Community Rising and Data Rising aimed at strengthening systems for improved service delivery to orphans and vulnerable children.

Ms Wina expressed hope that the project will assist to provide the best care possible to enable the children, especially orphaned and vulnerable realize their full potential and contribution to national development.

The Minister disclosed that Zambia has a population with an estimated 50 percent of youths to shoulder the future responsibilities of the nation hence the need to invest in their survival, protection and development with emphasis on provision of basic services to the vulnerable children.

Ms Winn further said children are faced with many challenges among them substance abuse and alcohol which are having devastating impact on their lives.

Meanwhile, USAID Zambia Acting Mission Director Patrick Diskin hailed the efforts of government, NGOS and the community in implementing programs of HIV/AIDS prevention and that of the support for the vulnerable children.

 Mr Diskin said the US government is privileged to be able to provide support for such projects and that it will continue this commitment by partnering with government and other stakeholders.