22 Jun 2025

The UNICEF Country Representative to Botswana, Mr Samuel Phiri, has highlighted the need for  sustained efforts to safeguard children’s rights. 

Speaking during the Day of African Child commemoration in Francistown on Friday, Mr Phiri recognised progress made in recent years, citing the government’s commitment to human rights-centered governance, evidenced by initiatives such as relocating asylum seekers to the Dukwi Refugee Camp to promote the dignity and protection of children.

Mr Phiri highlighted Botswana’s strides in policy, planning and budgeting aimed at improving child welfare. 

He appreciated ongoing partnerships with the government to develop child-sensitive social services, enhance public finance systems for children, and ensure equitable resource allocation for vulnerable groups.

Despite  these  positive developments, Mr Phiri acknowledged persistent challenges. 

He pointed out that many children in rural areas, those with disabilities, and children from impoverished families continue to face  barriers in accessing quality education, healthcare, nutrition and protection services.

He called upon all stakeholders to address these urgent gaps, saying, 

‘these gaps are personal and urgent. It is our collective responsibility to fulfill the promises of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.”

Reflecting on the progress over the past decade, Mr Phiri cited increased access to basic education, improved maternal and child health services, high immunization coverage, and better social protection measures for vulnerable children.

Deputy Mayor of Francistown, Mr Uyapo Nyeku, outlined the importance of investing in children as the foundation of the nation’s future. He applauded government  for initiatives such as provision of P300 to mothers of newborns and the establishment of Gender and Protection Units at various facilities.

Still at the event, the Legal Investigator from the Office of the Ombudsman,  Ms Unangoni Maditsa, addressed critical issues affecting vulnerable children. She outlined concerns such as delays in birth registration, limited access to specialised education services and the failure of duty bearers to adequately protect at-risk youth. 

Ms Maditsa reaffirmed the Ombudsman’s commitment to holding institutions accountable and amplifying the voices of children who often go unheard. ENDS