Govt, UNICEF to launch child-friendly policing initiative

The Homeland Security Ministry, in collaboration with UNICEF, is set to develop a groundbreaking concept aimed at promoting child-friendly policing.

This initiative emerged from a meeting between UNICEF Country Representative, Shadrack Omol, and the Minister of Homeland Security, Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, at Capital Hill in Lilongwe.

The innovative approach will provide essential training for security officers, ensuring they are equipped to safeguard children’s rights and well-being.

Zikhale Ng’oma emphasized the need for specialized training across various security agencies, stating, “We need to have a concept that focuses on special training for security officers such as the police, immigration, prison, and refugee departments. The officers should be trained on how to handle children because we need to be friendly to these children.”

Omol also highlighted UNICEF’s ongoing support, particularly in community policing.

“We have many areas of support, including health, education, nutrition, and social welfare. In policing, we have been working with officers in various units to make them more child-friendly,” Omol said