LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)- Lack of proper structures and services is said to be impinging an enabling environment for children to fully enjoy their rights in Malawi, World Vision report has established.
The report follows a baseline study World Vision International conducted to look at the state of implementation of policies and enabling activities for full enjoyment of children’s rights in the country.
The study looked at different dimensions such as policies, coordination, service delivery and capacity to implement existing laws.
National Director for World Vision International, Hazel Nyathi told the news conference in the capital Lilongwe on Friday after the launch of the child rights barometer report that it has exposed glaring gaps especially in terms of capacity to implement policies and funding of programs towards ensuring the welfare of children.
“While great strides have been made in terms of having in place policies and laws, there are no structures and services to make sure that the children of Malawi can fully enjoy some of the policy provisions that Government has enacted.
“With the increase in demand for services of children, there is no corresponding increase in the provision of such services. District social welfare offices are rarely funded to carry out their activities,” she said.
Nyathi then disclosed that World Vision International will be engaging all interested parties and like minded organisations including the Ministry Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare to find ways of filling those gaps.
Gender Minister Mary Navicha, described the report as important, saying it has exposed areas where authorities need to do a lot of work.
She acknowledged the gaps and said government is looking forward to collaborating with various stakeholders in addressing those challenges to improve the lives and welfare of children.
The launch of the report coincided with commemoration of world day for a girl child.