MGECW launches Act to promote child rights

WINDHOEK, MAR — The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare today launched the Child Care and Protection Act.
Gender minister Doreen Sioka said that the Child Care and Protection Act (No. 3 of 2015), which was passed into law and commenced in late January this year, would serve as a regulatory instrument to promote and protect the rights of all children in the country.

Its enactment replaces the outdated Children’s Act of 1960 and Children State Act of 2006.
“The Act formalizes the legal, social and administrative processes and serves as a legal framework for the care of children, and mandates an increased focus on prevention, early detection and inter-country adoption,” said Sioka.
The Act comprises two sets of regulations: for the operation of the children’s court under the Ministry of Justice, while the gender ministry covers all other components that will also see the establishment of new child-focused initiatives.

An Advisory Council will be set up to oversee the implementation of the Act and monitor progress.
Namibia was recently ranked seventh in the child- friendliness index compiled by the African Child Policy Forum. – NDN Staffer

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