Young parliamentarians put children’s priorities directly to Mozambique’s President
Supported by UNICEF, the Children’s Parliament provides an important space for children and adolescents to exercise their right to participation and ensure that their experiences and priorities are heard by those making decisions that affect their lives.
Maputo, Mozambique - The VIII Session of Mozambique’s National Children’s Parliament brought together 114 child parliamentarians from across the country on 2 and 3 September, giving children a national platform to raise their concerns, priorities and aspirations.
This year’s session marked a significant milestone. President Daniel Chapo became the first Head of State in many years to attend a National Session and, for the first time in the history of UNICEF’s support to the initiative, a President engaged directly with child parliamentarians through an open question-and-answer session. Children were given the floor to freely raise their concerns and received responses directly from the President.
Their questions and recommendations covered issues including quality education, digital literacy, climate-resilient schools, child labour, child marriage, violence against children, social protection, health, water and sanitation, and opportunities for adolescents.
President Chapo also encouraged the young parliamentarians to remember children affected by conflict and displacement in Cabo Delgado, highlighting the importance of empathy and solidarity with children facing difficult circumstances.
The session also saw Neyde Correia from Sofala elected President of the National Children’s Parliament.
Supported by UNICEF, the Children’s Parliament provides an important space for children and adolescents to exercise their right to participation and ensure that their experiences and priorities are heard by those making decisions that affect their lives.
