Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Patricia Kaliati has issued a 14-day ultimatum to all street-connected children to move out of the country’s streets. 

Addressing a news conference this morning in Lilongwe, Kaliati said authorities will arrest all parents and guardians if they will not comply with the directive.

“This is against section 80 of the Child Care, Protection and Justice Act (CCPJA), which prohibits any person from subjecting or forcing a child to a social or customary practice that is harmful to the health or general development of the child.

“And according to Section 83 of the CCPJA, anyone found contravening sections 80 and 82 commits an offence and shall be liable to imprisonment for ten (10) years,” said Kaliati.

She also requested city, town and district councils to introduce by-laws aiming at ensuring that all street-connected children are out of street upon the elapse of the 14-day ultimatum.

“I therefore, request city councils, municipalities, district and town councils to come up with bylaws or social norms that enforce compulsory primary education for all children as stipulated in section 13 of the Education Act (No, 21 of 2013) and discourage the giving of alms to children in and on the streets.

“Further, each council should work with my Ministry to designate a safe home which I will establish so that all children in the streets are provided with the necessary care and protection,” said Kaliati.

The gender minister also said he is saddened to learn that some gangs are engaging some street connected children to attack people and carry out other criminal activities.

On this, Kaliati has requested the Malawi Police Service to investigate and identify the criminals including the children that are involved in such acts as a matter of urgency.