The Zambian government has reiterated its commitment to eradicating child marriages and violence against children which have continued to negatively affect young girls and children generally across the country.
The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary, Ms. Angela Kawandami, has highlighted Zambia’s significant strides in strengthening laws aimed at protecting children.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 1st Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Bogota, Colombia, Ms. Kawandami who is leading the Zambian delegation expressed optimism about the country’s efforts to end child marriages as well as violence against children.
Ms Kawandami lauded President Hakainde Hichilema, who serves as the African Union Champion for Ending Child Marriages, as being pivotal in promoting child protection policies.
She further said that the enactment of the Children’s Code Act whose child-friendly and simplified version will soon be available, has given Zambia an enhanced framework to combat child marriages considering that the new law offers legal protection and sets out guidelines that prioritize the welfare and rights of children in Zambia.
The Permanent Secretary emphasized that Zambia is now well-positioned to make substantial progress in addressing the root causes of child marriages.
She noted that efforts are underway to strengthen partnerships with traditional and religious leaders, given their influential roles within communities.
Ms Kawandami reiterated Zambia’s commitment to the partnership with Canada on marshalling advocacy efforts on ending child marriages globally and therefore called on other nations and international stakeholders to join hands in this cause.
Zambia and Canada are co-sponsoring the United Nations resolution on Child, Early and Forced Marriage which was adopted by the General Assembly’s Third Committee and is currently under consideration at the UN.
The first ever 1st Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children seeks to drive policy change, marshal resources and demonstrate that violence prevention is possible.
