The 2025 commemoration of the Day of the African Child provided a valuable opportunity for civil society organizations (CSOs) to convene and reflect on the current status of child rights in relation to the theme, “Budgeting and Planning for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010.”
The NGO Coalition on Child Rights took the lead in planning and coordinating the CSO side event. The event featured a series of presentations that highlighted the progress made since 2010 in advancing children’s rights in Malawi. It also included a panel discussion that brought together diverse stakeholders from government ministries and Agencies, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), and local CSOs. In addition, participants engaged in sessions where they shared best practices and experiences in promoting child rights across the country.
A joint statement was developed and later presented during the commemoration ceremony which was graced by the Vice President of the Republic of Malawi. The statement focused on key challenges affecting the planning and budgeting processes for child rights. These challenges included the limited involvement of children in decision-making spaces and the persistent inadequacy of funding in critical sectors such as child protection.
The statement also provided recommendations, such as the need for actual and timely disbursement of allocated funds to relevant departments to ensure they are well-resourced and able to effectively fulfill their responsibilities.
The CSO side event brought together over 20 civil society organizations from various regions across the country. These organizations were represented by a diverse group of participants, including 48 males and 42 females.