Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Efforts to protect children from violence, abuse, exploitation and emerging online threats have been intensified by the Government, with the National Child Protection Conference currently underway in Bulawayo to strengthen the country’s child protection systems and mobilise sustained investment in safeguarding children’s rights.
The four-day conference, convened by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare with support from the government of Sweden and UNICEF, has brought together senior Government officials, development partners, United Nations agencies, civil society organisations, academia, the private sector, regional delegates and children to reinforce multi-sectoral collaboration in child protection.
Officially opening the conference, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo said Zimbabwe remains resolute in protecting every child and ensuring no one is left behind.
“The National Child Protection Conference is more than a gathering; it is a solemn call to action,” he said.
Minister Moyo said the conference is anchored on the five pillars of the National Action Plan for Children, namely improving access to inclusive basic social services, ending violence against children, strengthening families and communities, eliminating child labour, and building resilient institutions.
“We stand united in our resolve. We will mobilise resources, knowledge and partnerships so that no child in Zimbabwe is left unprotected, unsupported or unheard.
“Every child deserves to grow up safe, nurtured and empowered to reach their full potential. Together we will make this promise a reality,” he said.
The conference comes a decade after the inaugural National Child Protection Conference, which culminated in the launch of the National Case Management System for the Protection and Welfare of Children.
Since then, the Government has strengthened the child protection sector through policy and legislative reforms, expansion of the National Case Management System, strengthening of the Victim Friendly System, and increased investment in prevention and response services.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Statistics released ahead of the conference showed that 64 percent of children experience violent discipline, while 43 percent of children under the age of five are not registered at birth.
Child marriage continues to affect 21,2 percent of adolescent girls aged between 15 and 18 years. Technology-facilitated abuse, migration-related vulnerabilities, socio-economic shocks and climate change are also exposing children to new protection risks.
Sweden’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Per Lindgärde said Zimbabwe has made commendable progress in strengthening child protection systems over the past decade, but called for renewed commitment from all stakeholders.
“Every child has the right to grow up safe, protected and free from violence, exploitation and neglect,” he said.
“Sweden is encouraged by the progress Zimbabwe has made in strengthening child protection systems over the past decade, but the challenges facing children today remind us that more must be done.
“By working together to uphold the rights of every child, we can build a future where all children are safe, included and able to thrive.”
UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe, Mrs Etona Ekole said protecting children requires sustained investment and coordinated action.
“Protecting children requires strong systems, sustained investment and coordinated action across sectors,” she said.
“This conference provides an important national platform to consolidate progress, confront emerging risks, and mobilise commitments that will help ensure every child in Zimbabwe is protected from violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect.”
A highlight of the conference is a high-level dialogue involving Government, development partners, international financial institutions, the private sector, civil society, academia and children to explore sustainable financing for child protection programmes.
Delegates from Namibia, Rwanda, Zambia and South Africa are also sharing experiences on child protection financing, digital civil registration systems, alternative care reforms, strengthening the social service workforce, support for children on the move, and online safety.
The conference is expected to culminate in the adoption of a National Child Protection Outcome Statement, financing pledges, stronger partnerships and a roadmap for implementing agreed commitments.
It comes after Government finalised the National Action Plan for Children 2026-2030 and Cabinet approved the Zimbabwe National Child Online Protection Policy 2026-2030, key frameworks aimed at strengthening protection for children both offline and online.
