President Hakainde Hichilema has officially launched the African Union Champion’s Report on Ending Child Marriage in Africa.
The launch took place during a High-Level Dialogue held on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
In his keynote address, President Hichilema described the report as a call to action rather than a mere presentation of data. He said it must serve as a catalyst for accelerated and coordinated efforts to eliminate child marriage across the continent.
As African Union Champion on Ending Child Marriage, President Hichilema emphasized that children are the future mothers of the next generation, and if girls are left behind, Africa cannot achieve Agenda 2063.
He underscored the need to review and strengthen punitive legal frameworks to deter offenders, noting that Zambia has already taken steps in this regard. However, he cautioned that laws alone are insufficient, pointing to challenges such as weak monitoring and compliance mechanisms.
The President also called for clarity in the definition of a child and stressed the importance of universal birth registration to safeguard rights and facilitate enforcement. He urged stakeholders to prioritize issues affecting children, noting that child marriage continues to impact millions in Africa and globally.
President Hichilema further observed that interventions must not overlook boys, highlighting challenges Zambia has faced from neglecting their needs and development.
The High-Level Dialogue reaffirmed Africa’s shared resolve to accelerate efforts towards eliminating child marriage in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and safeguarding the future of the continent’s children.
This was contained in a statement issued by First Secretary Press and Tourism at the Zambian Mission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Hambaya Munang’andu.
