WATCH: Vice President Mohadi launches new child protection policies

VICE President Kembo Mohadi has officially launched the National Action Plan for Children IV (2026-2030) and the National Child Online Protection Policy, describing the two frameworks as critical instruments for safeguarding children and responding to emerging threats affecting their wellbeing.

Speaking during the launch at the National Child Protection Conference in Bulawayo on Friday, VP Mohadi said the policies provide a comprehensive and adaptive framework to address the evolving needs of children while strengthening efforts to combat violence, exploitation and abuse.

He said Government had taken into account emerging issues such as child protection and consent, as well as the link between child labour and online violence against children, which have emerged as a result of changing social and technological developments.

“I am confident that these policies will serve as a comprehensive and adaptive framework for our efforts to respond to the evolving needs of our children. I am also confident that this framework will rectify shortcomings of previous plans and encompass a broader range of interventions that will effectively mitigate the impact of violence on children’s lives,” said VP Mohadi.

He said the success of the National Action Plan would not be measured solely by commitments made at the launch but by tangible improvements in the lives of children.

“We should remove our children from the streets, get our children out of the mines and ensure that our classrooms are filled.

However, policy on its own cannot overcome deep-rooted cultural challenges. It requires a whole-of-society approach driven by sustained commitment, collaboration and collective action from every sector of society. That is the only way we can succeed,” he said.

VP Mohadi said Government would continue setting clear targets and publishing progress reports to ensure accountability in the implementation of child protection programmes.

He called on Government institutions, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, communities and development partners to work together to ensure the effective implementation of the two frameworks.

“To our Government partners, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, communities and all stakeholders, I call upon you to work hand in hand with Government structures to ensure that this National Action Plan is implemented effectively with urgency, accountability and precision, reaching children and families at grassroots level,” he said.

VP Mohadi reaffirmed Government’s commitment to supporting both the National Action Plan for Children IV and the National Child Online Protection Policy.

“Government stands ready to work together with regional partners, civil society and international organisations to ensure that every child, regardless of where they live, enjoys their full rights and grows up in a safe, dignified and supportive environment,” he said.