Botswana Validates National Action Plan To Strengthen Prevention Of Violence Against Children
Evidence-based roadmap reinforces national commitment to creating a safer, more protective environment for every child.
The Government of Botswana reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children from violence with the validation of the Costed National Plan of Action to Prevent and Respond to Violence Against Children, marking an important milestone in strengthening the country's child protection system.
The validated plan provides a comprehensive, evidence-based roadmap to prevent violence, improve services for children and families, and strengthen coordinated action across sectors. It reflects Botswana's continued commitment to ensuring that every child grows up in a safe, nurturing and protective environment free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The National Plan of Action was informed by findings from the 2019 Botswana Violence Against Children Survey (VACS), which provided critical evidence on the prevalence, causes and impact of violence affecting children. Using this evidence, the plan identifies priority interventions aimed at strengthening legislation and policy implementation, improving child protection services, creating safer schools, expanding family support programmes and increasing children's participation in decisions that affect their lives.
A defining feature of the planning process was the meaningful engagement of children themselves. The perspectives of 63 children helped shape the roadmap, ensuring that the priorities and experiences of young people informed the country's response to violence against children and reinforced the principle that children should be active participants in decisions affecting their wellbeing.
The validation workshop brought together senior government officials, development partners, civil society organisations and child protection stakeholders to review and endorse the roadmap, reinforcing a shared commitment to coordinated action and accountability.
Developed through a collaborative, multi-sectoral process, the National Plan of Action reflects the collective efforts of the Government of Botswana, UNICEF and a wide range of partners working to strengthen prevention, early intervention and survivor-centred response services.
The roadmap supports Botswana's ambition to reduce violence against children by 50 per cent by 2030, aligning national priorities with the Sustainable Development Goals and the country's broader commitment to safeguarding children's rights.
UNICEF welcomed the validation of the plan as an important step towards building stronger systems that prevent violence before it occurs while ensuring that children who experience violence receive timely, quality and child-friendly services.
Preventing violence against children requires sustained investment, strong institutions and collective action across government, communities, families and the private sector. By placing children at the centre of national planning and decision-making, Botswana is strengthening its efforts to create a future where every child is protected, respected and empowered to reach their full potential. For every child, protection.
