Botswana Launches Multisectoral Standard Operating Procedures for a Child-Friendly Justice System
Botswana has taken a landmark step toward ensuring that every child experiences justice that is protective, restorative, and rights-based.
The official launch of the Multisectoral Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for a Child-Friendly Justice System signals a historic transformation in the way children engage with the justice system.
Samuel Phiri, Acting UNICEF Country Representative to Botswana, led the launch, highlighting the significance of this milestone
This is not just an administrative milestone; it is a defining moment in Botswana’s journey toward a justice system that is humane, restorative, and deeply anchored in the dignity of every child. What started as advocacy has matured into strategic, systemic reform, embedding child sensitivity, protection, and empowerment into law enforcement, judicial administration, and social services. Every child deserves protection, compassion, and justice whenever they come into contact with the law.
Phiri acknowledged the crucial partnership of the Government of the United Kingdom, whose support helped bring the vision of a child-friendly justice system to life. British High Commissioner to Botswana and UK Special Representative to SADC, Giles Enticknap, reflected on the milestone
Proud Moment. Botswana has launched its national guidelines for child-friendly justice - a major leap forward in protecting children. I’m proud of the British government’s role in this journey. Together, we’re building a justice system where every child feels safe, heard & empowered. Big strides for child justice in Botswana! At today’s SOP launch, Britain celebrated 8 child-friendly police centres, expert training & multisectoral reform via ROLE UK. Through these partnerships, we’re investing in expertise-led reform!
The journey toward this launch began with the “E Seng Mo Ngwaneng Campaign,” a national movement to end violence against children, which evolved into a multi-sectoral, strategic approach to systemic reform. In 2023, Botswana hosted its first Child-Friendly Justice Symposium, bringing together national ministries, civil society, and international partners to establish a roadmap guiding the development of these SOPs.
Hon. Ramaotwana Nelson Ramaotwana, Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, emphasized the broader significance,
Justice delayed is justice denied. Children may encounter the justice system as victims, witnesses, or alleged offenders. These SOPs are not just guidelines; they are a tool for transformation. They ensure that every child is met with care, coordination, and consistency. Let us build a justice system that protects, respects, and uplifts them.
Permanent Secretary Naledi Moroka welcomed stakeholders to the launch, underlining that the SOPs represent a collective commitment to human rights and a child-centered justice system. She noted that the SOPs are a critical step toward ensuring that no child is subjected to injustice, neglect, or harm during legal processes.
Looking forward, Deputy Permanent Secretary Mr. Moffat R. Lubinda outlined the next steps to ensure effective implementation:
- Establish governance and thematic teams encompassing all government and non-government actors.
- Disseminate and capacitate justice and social service providers.
- Develop comprehensive short- and long-term implementation plans with clear roles, responsibilities, and sustainable resourcing.
- Monitor and evaluate the impact of the SOPs to inform continuous improvement.
- Draw lessons from regional models of child-friendly courts in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Phiri concluded with a powerful reminder of why this work matters, “Let us not forget that this entire effort exists because of the voices of children. They call upon us to create systems that listen, protect, and restore. Today’s launch is not the end of a project - it is the beginning of a profound transformation that envisions a justice system that not only enforces the law but embodies humanity and empowers children to shape their own futures.”
The launch of Botswana’s Multisectoral SOPs for a Child-Friendly Justice System marks a historic moment, reflecting a shared commitment by government, development partners, and civil society to ensure that every child experiences justice that is fair, age-appropriate, and restorative.
For every child. For every future.
