UNICEF and UK Strengthen Child-Friendly Justice
Botswana has strengthened its efforts to build a justice system that protects, respects and responds to the needs of children through a longstanding partnership between the Government of Botswana, UNICEF and the United Kingdom.
During a meeting between UNICEF Botswana Representative a.i., Dr Kimanzi Muthengi, and the British High Commissioner to Botswana, His Excellency Giles Enticknap, partners reflected on progress made in advancing child-friendly justice and reaffirmed their shared commitment to ensuring that every child who comes into contact with the justice system is treated with dignity, compassion and respect.
Through the partnership, UNICEF and the UK have supported national efforts to strengthen child-sensitive justice systems by developing and implementing child-friendly justice standards, building the capacity of justice sector professionals and improving coordination among institutions responsible for protecting children.
These reforms are helping create a justice system that is better equipped to safeguard children's rights, reduce the risk of further trauma and ensure that children's voices are heard throughout legal and protection processes. By strengthening systems rather than isolated interventions, the partnership is contributing to more consistent, accessible and child-centred services across Botswana.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to review achievements under the current phase of collaboration and discuss priorities for sustaining and expanding child-friendly justice reforms. Both parties reaffirmed the importance of continued investment in institutions and partnerships that place children's rights at the centre of the justice system.
Protecting children requires coordinated action across government, development partners and communities. The progress achieved through this partnership demonstrates how collaboration can strengthen national systems and improve access to justice for children, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
As Botswana continues to advance child protection reforms, UNICEF remains committed to working alongside the Government of Botswana, the United Kingdom and other partners to ensure that every child can access justice in an environment that is safe, inclusive and responsive to their needs.
For every child, protection.
