Source: Zim rolls out Child Protection Fund – herald
Takunda Gambiza
Herald Reporter
GOVERNMENT has launched a multi-partner trust fund aimed at strengthening the protection, safety and well-being of unaccompanied and separated children, responding to growing vulnerabilities created by rising migration flows through Zimbabwe.
The initiative, titled Strengthening the Protection, Safety and Well-being of Unaccompanied Minors and Separated Children in Zimbabwe, was launched in Harare yesterday, bringing together ministries, UN agencies and development partners to reinforce child protection systems and cross-border coordination mechanisms.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo said the programme responds directly to the increasing vulnerabilities faced by children moving through Zimbabwe as a country of origin, transit and destination.
“This event is more than a ceremonial gathering. It marks a decisive step in strengthening Zimbabwe’s child protection systems in response to migration, family separation and emerging vulnerabilities affecting children on the move,” said Minister Moyo.
He warned that increasing mixed and irregular migration has exposed many children to violence, exploitation and trafficking, stressing that protecting them is central to the country’s development ambitions.
“We cannot realise Vision 2030 without safeguarding our children for posterity,” he said, adding that child protection spending should be viewed as “a worthy investment contributing to nation building.”
Minister Moyo also highlighted the importance of strengthening families and communities to reduce the underlying drivers of child migration.
“It is very important to teach people on responsible parenting. We just assume that people can look after their children, but some people need to be capacitated,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Ambassador Raphael Faranise, represented by Retired Colonel Onward Tokoda, revealed that Zimbabwe has recorded a rise in unaccompanied children moving towards neighbouring countries.
“These children face grave vulnerabilities such as violence, exploitation, trafficking and limited access to essential services. This plight demands urgent, coordinated action,” said Ambassador Faranise.
He said the 24-month programme, valued at approximately US$2.4 million, will strengthen reception facilities, case management, civil registration and cross-border coordination at Beitbridge, Plumtree and Chirundu border posts—three of the country’s busiest ports of entry.
The initiative aims to create systematic safeguards for children crossing borders, ensuring they are identified, supported and connected to appropriate protection services regardless of their migration status.
United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mr Edward Kallon said the programme positions Zimbabwe as a regional leader in child-sensitive migration governance.
“No child should be forced into making decisions that place their lives in danger and no child should navigate these risks alone,” said Mr Kallon.
He added that the initiative aligns with the National Action Plan for Children (2026–2030) and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration—international frameworks that emphasise the rights and protection needs of children on the move.
Minister Moyo urged all stakeholders to ensure implementation delivers tangible results for vulnerable children.
“Let us move from declaration to delivery, from pledges to protection, from commitment to measurable change,” he said.
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