Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Government has reiterated it’s committed to protecting the rights of children in line with its policies, ideals and legislation.
Speaking during the launch of the Zambia Health and wellbeing survey findings in Lusaka today, Gender Permanent Secretary Daisy Ngambi says violence against children damages the child’s psychological, physical and social wellbeing and has a lasting effect on the victim.
Ms. Ngambi says it is sad that violence against children in Zambia happens everywhere such as in families, both rural and urban communities, in schools, in poor and health communities and other places.
She explains that to reduce some of the violations against children in Zambia, government has come up with several programmes aimed at ensuring that the country has a society where there is respect for children.
Ms. Ngambi adds that the violations on children with regards to sexual, physical and emotional violence have been laid bare with empirical evidence.
She further states that there is nothing to stop the country from ensuring that children enjoy their rights and issues affecting them are tackled.
And speaking earlier, United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) country representative Dr. Hamid El Bashir says every child has a right to be protected against any form of violation.
Dr. El Bashir says children can be power agents for change as long as the environment is conducive for them to enjoy their rights.