ADDIS ABABA – As the root cause of child problems is lack of coordination, the collaboration of relevant stakeholders and their coordinated response are crucial to ensure children’s well-being, the National Child Policy and Advocacy Coalition said.
The coalition held diplomacy and networking panel discussion and workshop on Thursday under the theme “Harmony for Hope.” The workshop aims to re-invigorate solidarity, initiate close cooperation and reinforce the momentum putting civil societies, private sector and government into commitment.
Child Protection Coalition Chairperson and Woord en Daad Country Representative Epherem Shiferaw stated that ensuring children’s well-being is not a task that left to a single entity; it would rather requires the collaboration and coordination of the government, private sector and civil societies.
The stakeholders are expected to conduct research on child protection and rights to know the magnitude of the problem and to forward viable solutions including offering capacity building programs, involving children themselves in their issues and others.
Noting the shortcomings in the execution and reinforcement of domestic and international child protection conventions and laws, Epherem indicated the laws’ implementation remains the main focus of members of the protection coalition. “Members of the collation are advocating for the proper implementation of these conventions and laws that would contribute to overcome 50% of the current child problems.”
Moreover, child protection and right highly demands awareness creation on socio-cultural values, advocacy, networking and coordination, building shared capacity and other activities. As a result, the effort requires intervening on child problem root causes, not on symptoms.
For her part, the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) Acting Executive Director Hana Woldegebriel said that the child issues needed state, national and international collaborations. Child protection policy issues are required the engagement and partnership of the government, private sector and other partners.
The director also expressed optimism that the panel discussion would help to create better understanding among concerned bodies in the child protection and strengthen their coordination and cooperation.
The council is also expressed its readiness to support efforts that have been exerted to ensure the well-being of Ethiopian children.”
The Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA) Representative ZebidarBogale said on the occasion that different stakeholders have been widely contributing towards the well-being of children. “However, the effort requires strengthening the coalition and cooperation between the partners.”
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 20 APRIL 2024
