GOVT. COMMITS TO PROTECTING CHILDREN’S RIGHTS

NORTHERN Province Child Development Coordinator Motion Milambo says the government is on the right trajectory in protecting the rights of children through the enactment of the Children’s Code Act number 12 of 2022.

Mr Milambo who was speaking ahead of the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting (ICBD) which falls every first Sunday of March, says the day underscores the transformative power of radio and television in the realization of children’s rights through information dissemination.

He said in an interview in Kasama that the day does not only encourage broadcasters to pay attention to children’s welfare but also allows children to take part in programming.

“This is a very important day for raising awareness about issues surrounding children,” Mr Milambo said.

Mr Milambo said this year’s theme, “Children’s Rights, Children’s Voices, Our Collective Responsibility,” calls on nations to pay particular attention and help realize children’s rights by formulating the right laws and policies.

He said the day is a reminder to various governments to invest in the future of children through education, health care, water, and sanitation, among other rights that children should enjoy.

Mr Milambo noted that the department of child development in the province has been sensitising citizens on the Children’s Code Act.

“We have met a number of traditional leaders to enlighten them on the provisions of the law contained in the Children’s Code Act,” he said.

Mr Milambo has since called on all stakeholders to step up their efforts and join the government in pushing the agenda for children to enjoy their rights.

He also lamented the continued marrying off of underage children, which he described as rampant in the province.

Mr Milambo said there is a need for communities to collectively work together to bring this vice to an end.