UNICEF and Botswana Police Service Strengthen Partnership to Protect Children
UNICEF and the Botswana Police Service have reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening child protection systems across Botswana, placing the safety, dignity and best interests of every child at the centre of their partnership.
During a courtesy meeting between Botswana Police Commissioner Ms Dinah Marathe and UNICEF Botswana Acting Representative Kimanzi Muthengi, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing child-friendly justice through stronger collaboration and sustained investment in child protection.
Key priorities include the establishment of child-friendly centres, enhanced training for police officers on child-friendly and survivor-centred approaches, and strengthened efforts to protect children online in response to the growing risks children face in digital spaces.
Botswana has also achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first country in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to connect to the INTERPOL International Child Sexual Exploitation Database - strengthening the country's ability to prevent, detect and respond to online child sexual exploitation.
Recognizing that lasting change requires collective action, UNICEF and the Botswana Police Service emphasized that preventing violence against children is a shared responsibility. Families, communities, government institutions and development partners all have a vital role to play in creating safe, protective environments where every child can survive, thrive and reach their full potential.
Together, we are building stronger systems that protect every child—today and for generations to come.
