June 9, 2026

Children from all 10 provinces of Zambia convened at the National Assembly of Zambia for the National Children’s Parliament under the Participation First! Children’s Voices Matter Project and the Child Rights Education Project (CREP), implemented by the Zambia Civic Education Association (ZCEA) in partnership with key stakeholders.

The young parliamentarians debated the motion:

“That this House urges the Government to strengthen child protection mechanisms to protect children from child labour, early marriages, and all forms of child abuse.”

Drawing on their lived experiences and the challenges children face in their communities, the young delegates engaged with government ministries and stakeholders on key child protection issues. Their contributions highlighted the need for stronger prevention, reporting, and response systems to protect children from violence, exploitation, abuse, and harmful practices.

The National Children’s Parliament reaffirmed the importance of meaningful child participation by providing a platform for children to influence policies and decisions that affect their lives. The event demonstrated that when children are given safe and inclusive spaces to participate, they contribute valuable insights and practical solutions to some of the most pressing challenges affecting their lives.