The Swedish embassy in Zimbabwe has contributed US$5.8 million towards child protection programs in Zimbabwe. The funding will be made available through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and will be primarily used in ten districts across the country where child deprivation factors are most prevalent.
The funding will support the Zimbabwe Child Protection programme III, which will address a wide range of issues related to violence, abuse, and neglect of children. These issues include marriage of children, teenage pregnancies, child trafficking, sexual violence and exploitation of children, child poverty, children in contact/conflict with the law, and birth registration.
Speaking during the funding agreement signing ceremony held in Harare, the Swedish ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ms Asa Persson, said that child protection is essential to children’s well-being. She noted that vulnerable children are more exposed to mistreatment, exploitation, discrimination, and violence and that it is the responsibility of society to protect children from all forms of violence.
Although Zimbabwe has a relatively good legal framework for protecting children, many children still experience violence. According to UNICEF, two out of every three children experience some form of violent discipline, and almost one-third of children aged 5 to 17 work, with more than one out of ten working under hazardous conditions.
The Zimbabwean government has committed to addressing all forms of violence against children and creating a safe and protective environment for every child. The country aims to become fit for children through strategic partnerships and expanding child protection financing through the child protection fund.
The Swedish funding will help UNICEF build on its existing partnerships and work with communities and government departments to increase awareness of child protection issues. By doing so, more children can be protected, and fewer will experience violence or abuse at home, school, or online.
