The Malawi Police Service has reiterated on the need for concerted efforts towards ensuring that children are protected from any form of violence. 

According to Child Protection Officer responsible for Lilongwe Police Station – Sub Inspector William Chirambo, empowering children’s rights require multi-sectoral approach.

He said: “Us on our own as police officers we cannot manage that, this is where partnership is very important when it comes to children, any other child, not just street-connected

We know that issues to do with children require holistic and multi-sectoral approach, so it’s very important that other stakeholders whether government institutions or non-governmental institutions come together whenever ever it comes to children.”

Chirambo added that both government and Non-Governmental Organisations like Youth Net and Counselling (Yoneco) need to work collaboratively towards addressing challenges regarding children welfare.

“We know as the police we don’t have skills for providing psychosocial support, we rely on stakeholders like Yoneco,” Chirambo said.

Commenting on the plea, Yoneco Board member responsible for Programmes and Projects Committee Samuel Bota said the organisation remains committed to protecting rights of children including those connected to the streets.

“Our main area of interest is protection, protecting children’s rights, their lives.

Street-connected children are at the heart of Yoneco in the sense that we believe that they have got a right like anybody else, that’s where we are coming from,” said Bota.