Minister says govt committed to protecting children

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Samuel Tembenu says government is committed to protecting children from all forms of abuses.

The minister said this in Bamako, Mali in a presentation to the African Committee of Experts on the rights and welfare of children.

In a telephone interview on Monday from Mali, Tembenu said Malawi has made progress in amending laws that protect children.

“As you are aware, in February 2017 Malawi amended its constitutional provision on the age of the child to be in conformity with Article 2 of the African Charter. The process of harmonising all laws and policies in conformity with the constitutional amendment is underway,” he said.

Tembenu said a further amendment was made to the country’s Constitution, removing the provision for parental consent for marriage age, essentially putting the marriage age at 18.

“This is a serious commitment Malawi has taken so far. Now with our partnership with other countries in the African Charter, we are ready and eager to learn more from them to completely deal with challenges that affect children’s rights and welfare,” he said.

Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Principal Secretary Esmie Kainja touted the importance of African Committee of Experts, saying it helps countries to share notes on the progress made in eradicating child marriage and other harmful cultural practices.

Malawi has been a member of the African Charter for 10 years, but has never made any presentation despite committing to do so every four years. n