By Dickson Bandera
Harare – The Government of Zimbabwe, in partnership with UNICEF and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has launched a new 24-month initiative aimed at strengthening the protection and wellbeing of unaccompanied minors and separated children moving within and across the country’s borders.
Announced on 4 March 2026, the programme titled Strengthening Protection, Safety, and Wellbeing of Unaccompanied Minors and Separated Children in Zimbabwe is funded by the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF). The initiative seeks to address the heightened risks faced by children travelling alone, including violence, exploitation, trafficking, and arbitrary detention.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Honourable Edgar Moyo said the programme represents an important step in reinforcing national systems designed to safeguard vulnerable children.
“This initiative directly contributes to our endeavour to strengthen systems that comprehensively protect children,” said Moyo. “Our work is firmly anchored in the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which obliges the State to ensure that the best interests of every child are upheld.”
Zimbabwe remains a country of origin, transit, and destination for children on the move. Economic hardship, the impacts of climate change, limited livelihood opportunities, strained social services, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to increasing cases of unsafe and irregular child migration.
UNICEF Representative to Zimbabwe Ms Etona Ekole said children travelling without parental care face significantly higher risks.
“When children travel alone, their vulnerability increases dramatically,” Ekole said. “No child should have to face these risks. We remain committed to ensuring that every unaccompanied and separated child is protected, supported, and given the opportunity to grow up safely.”
The programme will provide comprehensive child protection services through Reception and Support Centres located in Chirundu, Beitbridge, and Plumtree. The centres will offer temporary shelter, food, health screening, psychosocial support, access to education, and child-friendly spaces.
The Beitbridge and Plumtree centres will also be refurbished to meet international child protection standards.
In addition, awareness campaigns targeting transport operators and cross-border traders will be rolled out to reduce the risks of child smuggling, trafficking, and exploitation along migration routes.
IOM Zimbabwe Chief of Mission Ms Diana Cartier said the programme would translate regional and global commitments into practical protection for vulnerable children.
“A child on the move should never have to choose between danger and indifference,” Cartier said. “Through this Joint Programme, we are turning regional and global commitments into real protection along migration routes.”
The initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (2026–2030), the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022–2026), the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, and the Sustainable Development Goals related to social protection and safe migration.
