Bongani Ndlovu
Bongani Ndlovu, [email protected]
The Government of Zimbabwe on Wednesday launched a joint programme with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) aimed at strengthening protection for unaccompanied and separated children travelling within and across the country’s borders.
The initiative, titled Strengthening Protection, Safety, and Wellbeing of Unaccompanied Minors and Separated Children in Zimbabwe, was launched in Harare and will run for 24 months under the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund.
Government officials said the programme seeks to address the growing vulnerabilities faced by children travelling alone, amid increasing economic hardship, climate change impacts and limited livelihood opportunities.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Honourable Edgar Moyo, said the initiative reinforces Government’s constitutional obligation to safeguard children.
“This Multi-Partner Trust Fund initiative directly contributes to our endeavour to reinforce systems that comprehensively protect children and our work is firmly anchored in the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which mandates the State to ensure the best interests of children are upheld,” said Minister Moyo.
Zimbabwe is a country of origin, transit and destination for children who migrate alone. Authorities say when children move without parents or caregivers, they are exposed to heightened risks including violence, exploitation, trafficking, abuse and arbitrary detention.
UNICEF Representative to Zimbabwe, Ms Etona Ekole, said the risks facing children on the move demand urgent and coordinated intervention.
“Every day, thousands of children are forced to move without the protection and care of their parents or caregivers. When children travel alone, their vulnerability increases dramatically, exposing them to violence, exploitation, trafficking, abuse and even arbitrary detention,” she said.
“No child should face these risks. UNICEF is committed to working with the Government of Zimbabwe, IOM and partners to ensure that every unaccompanied and separated child is protected, supported and given the chance to grow up safely.”
Under the programme, child protection services will be strengthened at Reception and Support Centres located in Chirundu, Beitbridge and Plumtree.
The Beitbridge centre will be refurbished to meet minimum international standards. Services to be provided include temporary shelter, food, health screening, psychosocial support, education support and child-friendly spaces.
Similar upgrades will be undertaken at Plumtree, while child protection services at Chirundu will also be enhanced to ensure children in transit receive immediate care and assistance.
Partners will also engage transporters and cross-border traders in awareness campaigns aimed at reducing child smuggling and exploitation along migration routes.
IOM Zimbabwe Chief of Mission, Ms Diana Cartier, said the programme translates regional and global commitments into practical action.
“A child on the move should not have to choose between danger and indifference. Through this Joint Programme, we are translating regional and global commitments into real protection along migration routes, ensuring that every child, regardless of status, encounters safety, dignity, and opportunity,” she said.
The initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (2026–2030), the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022–2026), the Global Compact for Migration and key Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 1.3 on social protection systems and SDG 10.7 on safe, orderly and regular migration.
Officials said the programme marks a significant step towards building a stronger, child-sensitive migration management system that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of the most vulnerable.
Online Reporter