UNICEF Appeals for Speedy Assent to the Establishment of National Children’s Bill

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has appealed to President Professor Mutharika’s speedy assent to the establishment of National Children’s Commission bill which was passed by parliament on March 7, 2019.

The commission with the help of the bill will put Children’s interest on public agenda and to encourage government departments and non-governmental agencies to coordinate their efforts and promote better laws and services of children.

According to a statement released by UNICEF, it says it is looking forward to President Peter Mutharika to fulfill the promised he made in 2014 in improving lives of children in the country.

“The commitment of His excellency Professor Peter Mutharika to the children of Malawi is evident in his April 2014 pledge to fulfil all rights of children and the youth. UNICEF therefore looks forward to his assent to the bill and the timely establishment of an independent nation’s children commission,” reads part of the statement.

Commenting on the matter UNICEF representative in Malawi Johannes Wedening said child protection activities are not taken seriously.

“A child protection budget analysis conducted by UNICEF in 2018 revealed that child protection programs are invisible and unfunded,” Wedening said.

He explained “Budget allocations to child protection are insufficient to effectively deliver quality and sustainable child protection services to all children in Malawi,”

Wedening further said that UNICEF, believes that the Nation Children Commission would help in monitoring and advocate for increased investment of children.

UNICEF says it remains committed to support the Government to fulfil its obligations to promote and protects children’s rights.