Save the Children Malawi has pledged continued support to the newly launched National Children’s Commission (NCC), emphasising the need for stronger coordination and resources to advance child welfare in the country.
Save the Children Malawi’s Director of Programmes, Partnerships and Awards Management, Chakufwa Munthali, said the NCC arrives at a crucial time for child protection. He said: “There is a lot of work that has to be done to improve children’s welfare. The National Children’s Commission will strengthen gains made and close loopholes that have negatively affected children.”
He further emphasised funding challenges, adding: “For the Commission to function well, it must coordinate all partners. That will not be easy because it will require resources, and we will continue mobilising support to ensure the NCC succeeds.”
During the launch, the Children’s Forum presented a communiqué outlining key concerns. The children said: they are calling for better learning conditions for those with disabilities, stronger action against child marriages, improved support for street-connected children and tougher measures against sexual abuse.
Launching the Commission, Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Navicha described the event as historic.
“Malawi has not lacked policies, but we have lacked coordination, funding and enforcement. The National Children’s Commission will close this gap,” said Navicha.
She also warned perpetrators of child abuse, noting: “The rise in defilement cases is disturbing and cannot be tolerated.”
NCC Vice Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe urged the need for unified action.
“Child protection does not exclusively rest with the NCC; it requires a collective effort,” said Kondowe.
He added that the Commission will set priorities aligned with national frameworks.
“This launch marks a new dawn for child rights in Malawi,” added Kondowe.
Established in 2019 through Act of Parliament, the NCC is mandated to coordinate child-related actors, advance child rights and strengthen accountability nationwide.
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