UN Delegation Visits Police Child Friendly Centre

The United Nations (UN) Development Partners delegation led by the UN Botswana Office Resident Coordinator, Mr Zia Choudhury visited the Broadhurst Police Child Friendly Centre in Gaborone recently.

The purpose of the visit was to appreciate the Centre as well as services offered by Botswana Police Service (BPS) in addressing issues of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and child abuse.

Briefing the delegation, the Deputy Director for Botswana Police Gender and Child Protection Branch, Assistant Commissioner Gontlafetse Segolodi said the Child Friendly Service Centre was established in December 2020 to safeguard the rights of children by providing a conducive environment for those who come in contact with the Police.

Mr Segolodi said the establishment of the facility was in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 5 which calls for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and children as well as the African Charter on the rights of children which speaks to special treatment for children who come in contact with the law.

The Deputy Director pointed out that since the establishment of the Centre, 268 cases of child abuse have been registered. He further indicated that neglect of children was found to perpetuate most of the offences against children.

Mr Segolodi informed the delegates that three more Centres have been established in Francistown, Shakawe and Letlhakane. He appreciated the continued support the BPS receives from UN Development Partners as well as other stakeholders, noting that the assistance has played a major role in improving services rendered to children.