The past 30 years of implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children (UNCRC) in Malawi has been a mixed bag, a government official said on Wednesday.

UNCRC is a legally-binding international agreement setting out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of every child, regardless of their race, religion or abilities.

Speaking at the 30th anniversary of the convention, Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Thom Navicha said Malawi has made headways in promoting children’s rights in the past three decades.

However, Navicha conceded that Malawi has not done well on ending child marriages and promoting quality education for children.

Save the Children Country Director, Kim Koch said Malawi still has a long way to go in improving access to education and healthcare for children.

“Those who are in rural areas, who are most vulnerable, who are affected by emergencies are the one’s most left behind,” Koch said.

She urged government to collaboratively work with its stakeholders if Malawi is to register maximum progress.

Youth Net and Counselling (Yoneco) Programme Support Manager Hughes Munthali who was one of the panelists in a panel discussion at the commemoration urged all duty bearers to provide platforms for children to have their voices heard.

He also urged children to open up when faced with various forms of abuse by reporting to Tithandizane National Helpline by calling on a toll free line 116.