Minister Urges Use of Laws to Protect Children, Families
SOS Children's Villages National Director Smart Namagonya said the organization complements government efforts as the biggest duty bearer, coordinating policies that advocate for child rights.
LILONGWE, Malawi- Malawi's Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare has urged law enforcement agencies to utilize child protection laws to punish parents who fail to take care of their families as a way of protecting children in the country, writes Martin Kamlaike.
Jean Muonaoauza Sendeza made the remarks on Wednesday at the SOS Children's Village Vocational Training Center grounds in Lilongwe during commemorations of the International Day of Families.
The event was organized by SOS Children's Villages in collaboration with other child rights organizations.
The minister said her ministry is engaging relevant stakeholders, especially law enforcement like the police, to make use of available laws and penalize those found breaking them.
"We are trying to bring all the laws that protect our children. To them as law enforcers, they have to use those tools to make sure that anyone involved in any criminality about children should be brought to book using the laws we have," Sendeza stated, citing the Child Justice Protection Act and the Divorce and Families Act.
She further reported that her ministry is currently supporting over 120,000 children affected by Cyclone Freddy, which hit Malawi in March 2024, by providing access to early childhood development centers, schools, and learning materials.
Sendeza led various stakeholders in a pledge-signing ceremony to advocate for and protect children's rights in the country.
SOS Children's Villages National Director Smart Namagonya said the organization complements government efforts as the biggest duty bearer, coordinating policies that advocate for child rights.
The International Day of Families was commemorated under the theme "Families and Climate Change," with SOS Children's Villages joined by the National Youth Network on Climate Change, NGO Coalition for Children's Rights, and Citizens Alliance.