Zambia Commemorates World Children’s Day, Urges Action on Children’s Rights
Zambia joined the global community in observing World Children’s Day on 20 November, 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 champion the rights, voices, and aspirations of the country’s youngest citizens.
Speaking at the commemoration, Acting Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Brenda Tambatamba, read a statement from Minister Doreen Mwamba, pledging the government’s commitment to protecting, nurturing, and empowering every child.
She emphasised that the day serves as a reminder for collective responsibility in ensuring children grow up safe, healthy, educated, and free from abuse, early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and substance misuse.
The Minister highlighted Zambia’s key actions to advance children’s rights, including the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022, free education, the Children’s Parliament, strengthened Child Protection Units in the police service, and programmes such as Keeping Girls in School.
UNICEF Country Representative, Dr Saja Abdullah, reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to working with government, communities, and children to ensure that no child is left behind.
She urged leaders to translate promises into concrete actions and encouraged children to speak out about their rights, emphasising: “When children speak, the world must listen.”
Fifteen-year-old Einess Bwalya of Chinsali District gave a vote of thanks, commending the government and cooperating partners for prioritising children’s welfare.
World Children’s Day, observed annually on 20 November, marks the anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, a landmark commitment to protecting children globally.
