By Chisomo Phiri
Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, has expressed concern over the persistent cases of child rights abuse and violation in the country, despite the presence of numerous Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and stakeholders working to protect child rights.
Speaking in Lilongwe on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of commissioners for the National Children’s Commission (NCC), Sendeza emphasized the need for accountability among stakeholders in safeguarding child rights and wellbeing.
“My message to you, Commissioners, is that today you have assumed overall coordination on all matters concerning children.Therefore, you are expected to hold different stakeholders accountable for failing to offer their services,” she said.
Sendeza also appealed to stakeholders implementing programs related to children to ensure that resources meant for children’s programs are utilized effectively and for the benefit of the children.
On his part,United Nations Children’s Fund(UNICEF) Deputy Country Representative, Gerrit Maritz, echoed Sendeza’s sentiments, noting that despite the presence of many institutions working on children’s issues and delivering great services, there has been no robust mechanism for accountability of institutions and the resources they receive.
He emphasized that the Commission will fill the existing gap by ensuring accountability towards the fulfillment of duties and obligations towards children.
Commissioner Benedicto Kondowe highlighted that the Commission has a vital role in ensuring that services supporting the needs of children across the country are meaningfully promoted
In 2019, the government, through Parliament, enacted and gazetted the NCC Act to monitor the implementation of child-related activities, protect, and promote children’s rights programs in the country.
