02 Mar 2016

UNICEF applauds Botswana with progress made in realising children’s rights during Botswana Children’s Month of Broadcasting (BCMB) launch in Gaborone.

This year’s commemoration will be celebrated under the theme, United and proud for the next generation.
When addressing the media during the BCMB launch, UNICEF representative Ms Julianna Lindsey said it was launched in 1991 as an international children’s day of broadcasting.

She said this was intended to encourage broadcasters worldwide to create awareness for children issues.

“In the light of Botswana’s 50th anniversary we extended to the entire month of March, hence BCMB,” she said.

Ms Lindsey said Botswana’s 50th anniversary affords the country an opportunity to celebrate what has been achieved for the children over the past years.

She noted the need to focus on urgent changes needed to bridge the gaps, highlight innovative approaches and new ways of working that could transform lives of children.
Ms Lindsey acknowledged achievent by Botswana in realising children’s rights.
She observed the country  has achieved access to primary education, stating it has provided a strong basis for higher goal of 10 years of education.
She noted that the children’s act of 2009 has created an enabling environment for realisation of children’s rights in Botswana.
“A child born today has improved chances of living to see its fifth birthday than a child born 50 years ago because of improved health services delivery,” applauding Ms Lindsey.
Despite the progress, Ms Lindsey said there is still children left behind.
She noted those who were disadvantaged, belonged to ethnic minorities and those living in rural areas.
She explained there were children who are deprived of essential services that could reduce their vulnarability to diseases and under nutrition.
She added saying a disproportion number of children still lived in extreme poverty, and the gap between the highest and lowest income household also remained.
Ms Lindsey commended local broadcasters for the unwavering support in furthering the principle of child participation. “UNICEF recognises the role of media in raising awareness of global and shaping children’s lives,” she said.
She said as norm they have partnered with local broadcasters to drive children’s participation in reflections of the 50 years of independence.

For his part, the UNICEF advocacy champion Mr Peter Siele said children’s participation ensures that children’s freedom to express themselves is realised.
He further said their participation makes sure that when it comes to decisions that affect them, their views are also taken into account.

“Engaging children in dialogue and exchange allows them to learn constructive ways of influencing the world around them,” he said.
Mr Siele said child participation involves encouraging and enabling children to make their views known on issues that affect them.

Ms Ruth Radibe, director in the department of social services also stressed the importance of children involvement in decision making.
She said there is need for parents to involve their children in decision making and this had been included in the children’s act of 2009.

“It is wise to consider the child age, their level of maturity and level of understanding,” she said.

She explained that it is important because at times parents think children do not understand and would not have any opinion in certain issues while they do.  However, she said because of such, they have what is called children consultative forum. From the forum, children are brought together to discuss issues that affect them.

The same issues will be taken to national children’s council to consider them and coordinate them with other sectorial ministries who were dealing with issues concerning the work of children.
She also advised the media to exercise caution when covering issues that affects children. He said some issues get to affect those children in the long run since the child will one day grow to be an elderly person, this will later affect his/her persona. Ends