Minister calls for efforts in protecting children

Minister of Community Development Doreen Mwamba says more needs to be done to end violence against children.

Speaking when she launched the national prevention and response plan on ending violence against children in Lusaka today, Ms Mwamba notes that the rising cases of teenage pregnancies and child marriage, in various parts of the country are an indication that children are still being abused.

She says protecting children against violence is an obligation shared by both the state and non-state actors.

Ms Mwamba explains that the national prevention and response plan, therefore seeks to accelerate evidence based multi sectoral actions aimed at addressing violence against children, adding that the vision is for Zambia to create a society where all children live free of all forms of violence.

The Minister has emphasized that where violence occurs, the child must have immediate access to services that will facilitate recovery and continued development.

Ms Mwamba says the goal is for government to continue upholding the rights and privileges of children.