IX National Forum on Children highlights cooperation between the UN and the Government of Angola.

On June 25, UNICEF and INAC held the National Forum on Children at the Talatona Convention Center, under the motto "Municipalization of the 11 commitments: protected child, strengthened nation, promoted by the Ministry of Social Action, Family and Promotion of Women.

Among children and adolescents, the event was attended by several entities with highlights for the First Lady of the Republic Ana Dias Lourenço, Minister of Social Action Family and Promotion of Women, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Angola to the United Nations Francisco José da Cruz, the representative of the National Children's Institute,  Paulo Calessi and Najat Maalla M'jid, special representative of the UN Secretary-General for violence against children, on a mission in Angola, who highlighted the international support to the country.

The main objective of the IX Forum was to assess progress achieved in the implementation of the 11 commitments to children, with a focus on the municipalization of public policies, ensuring that interventions effectively reach local communities.

During the activities, Najat underlined the relevance of the visit: "The Mission will monitor the work carried out in the country in the field of combating violence against children, to assess the progress achieved and identify strategic areas."

The Forum reinforced the need to move forward with the municipalization of social policies, intensify monitoring and ensure that essential services reach all communities. The UN representative stressed that, although there is a strong legal framework, it is essential to strengthen implementation and cooperation mechanisms between the different levels of the state.

During her speech, Dr. Najat clearly stated "the problem is the lack of implementation of all these". 

The President of the children's parliament, Domingas Araújos, highlighted the urgency of concrete actions, stating.

“The problem of sexual violence against children must be seen with great responsibility, taking into account the trauma it causes"

 Strengthening of child protection networks, with clear mechanisms for reporting, welcoming and supporting victims, in line with a commitment 8 to combat physical and sexual violence, negligence, child labour and trafficking.

"Protecting and developing children must be a national goal, reflected in local budgets and in the decisions of each municipality. There is no sustainable development without putting the child at the center of public policies."  Ana Dias Lourenço, first Lady of the Republic. 

The presence of Najat Maalla M'jid gave legitimacy and international visibility to the event, reinforcing the urgency of coordinated, decentralized and child-centered action.

"The Visit will be an important moment for strengthening child protection policies and consolidating partnerships with other national bodies." Najat Maalla M'jid.