Govt reaffirms commitment to protecting children in street situations

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of all children, including those living in street situations, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen national child protection systems.

Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Senior Child Development Officer, Sibonile Sakala, said Government was enhancing access to social services and taking deliberate steps to ensure every child is given an opportunity to thrive.

Speaking at Chikumbi Children’s Home of Safety during the commemoration of the International Day for Children in Street Situations, held under the global theme “Protect, Not Punish,” Sakala stressed that children on the streets must be treated with dignity.

“This year’s theme underscores a critical message: children in street situations are not criminals, but individuals in need of care, protection, and support,” she said.

Sakala added that Government continues to roll out interventions aimed at reducing vulnerabilities among children and strengthening family and community-based support systems.

Earlier, the centre’s manager, Auxillia Lungu, said every child deserved a nurturing environment that promotes safety, protection, and personal development.

She said addressing challenges faced by children in street situations requires a collective approach.

“We are taking this opportunity to ensure we find reintegration pathways for the children. It is important to have family tracing, reunification, education, and psychosocial support in restoring dignity and hope,” she said.

Child Protection Unit Deputy National Coordinator, Susan Liteta, urged parents and guardians to refrain from sending children onto the streets to beg for alms, saying such acts are against the law.

Liteta emphasised the need for communities to work with the police and view law enforcement officers as partners in combating streetism.

“As communities, we must stop encouraging practices that push children onto the streets,” she said.

The team later conducted community sensitisation activities highlighting the dangers of exposing children to street life through almsgiving, sending minors to sell in the streets, or buying goods from children who trade on the roadside.

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