The National Children’s Consultative Forum (NCCF) has convened at Cresta Lodge in a major step toward strengthening child rights advocacy in Botswana. The forum focuses on developing the Children’s Report on the United Nations Convention on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, which will later be presented at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva. This initiative brings together children, policymakers, and child welfare experts to share experiences and shape national child protection strategies. The event reflects a growing commitment to ensuring that children are not only protected but also actively involved in decisions that affect their lives. It also highlights the importance of inclusive dialogue in building stronger social systems. The forum sets the foundation for evidence based advocacy that reflects real experiences from across the country.
Opening the forum, Ms. Felistus Motimedi, Director of the Department of Child Welfare, emphasized the need for accountability among duty bearers responsible for protecting children’s rights in Botswana. She stressed that institutions and leaders must ensure that policies are implemented effectively and consistently across all districts. She also highlighted the importance of including younger children in discussions to bring fresh ideas and innovative thinking into national planning. According to her, children’s voices are essential in shaping policies that directly affect their wellbeing and development. The forum therefore serves as a platform where children can express their views freely and contribute meaningfully to national advocacy efforts. This approach reinforces the principle that children are active participants in society and not passive recipients of services.
The Children’s Report being developed will capture experiences from children across all 31 districts of Botswana. It aims to present a comprehensive overview of how children experience rights related to education, safety, health, and protection. The report will also highlight challenges such as violence, inequality, and limited access to services in certain areas. By collecting direct input from children, the report ensures that real life conditions are accurately represented at the international level. Once completed, it will be submitted to the United Nations as part of Botswana’s commitment to global child rights monitoring. This process strengthens transparency and accountability in child welfare reporting.
The three day forum also focuses on several key national initiatives that aim to improve child protection systems in Botswana. These include the National Policy on Vulnerable Children, which seeks to provide stronger support for at risk groups. Participants are also reviewing Positive Parenting Guidelines designed to promote healthy discipline methods within families. Another major topic is the development of alternative discipline models aimed at eliminating corporal punishment. Discussions also cover strategies to prevent and respond to violence against children in homes, schools, and communities. The forum further prepares participants for the upcoming Day of the African Child in June, which promotes awareness of child rights across the continent.
Ms. Motimedi reminded delegates that rights are closely linked with responsibilities during the discussions in Botswana. She encouraged participants to actively engage in dialogue and represent the voices of their peers with honesty and commitment. She also emphasized that meaningful participation requires both expression and accountability from young people. The forum therefore acts as a learning space where children develop leadership skills while contributing to national policy development. This balance between rights and responsibilities strengthens the overall impact of youth participation in governance processes. It also helps build a culture of respect and civic awareness among young citizens.
The NCCF forum demonstrates a strong national commitment to improving child welfare systems in Botswana through inclusive and participatory approaches. By involving children directly in policy discussions, the country strengthens transparency and ensures that policies reflect lived realities. The combination of national consultations and international reporting shows a structured effort to align local child protection systems with global standards. The forum also reinforces the importance of collaboration between government, children, and civil society stakeholders. If fully implemented, the outcomes of these discussions can significantly improve child protection and wellbeing across all districts. The initiative represents a meaningful step toward a future where children’s rights are fully respected, protected, and actively promoted.
