IGAD to Endorse Child Policy Framework

Addis Ababa December 9/2024 (ENA)—Ministers responsible for Children's Affairs from the IGAD region will convene to validate and endorse the IGAD Child Policy Framework on December 13, 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The objective of the validation and ministerial conference is to adopt the Child Policy Framework, ensuring that it is well-equipped to address the challenges facing children within the member states and the region. This aligns with the member states’ international and regional commitments to child rights.

The Policy outlines actionable plans to prevent and address various forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence experienced by children, particularly the most vulnerable, including children on the move.

In partnership with Save the Children, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and other international partners, IGAD has conducted national and children’s consultations across IGAD member states on the Draft IGAD Child Policy Framework.

The ministerial conference will be preceded by a regional validation meeting on December 11-12, 2024. Senior technical experts from IGAD member states responsible for children’s affairs and foreign affairs, along with experts from the IGAD Secretariat and international partners, are expected to attend the validation meeting.

The ministerial conference will bring together Ministers for Children’s Affairs from IGAD member states and high-level representatives from partner organizations. Children will also participate in both meetings to share their perspectives. The Minister of Women and Social Affairs of the Federal Government of Ethiopia will officiate both events.