The Government of Zimbabwe, in partnership with UNICEF and International Organization for Migration (IOM), has launched a new joint programme aimed at strengthening protection systems for unaccompanied minors and separated children traveling within and across Zimbabwe’s borders.
The 24 month initiative, titled Strengthening Protection, Safety, and Wellbeing of Unaccompanied Minors and Separated Children in Zimbabwe, is funded through the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF).
It seeks to address the complex and compounding vulnerabilities faced by children who migrate alone.
Speaking at the launch in Harare, Honourable Edgar Moyo, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, said the programme reinforces Zimbabwe’s constitutional mandate to safeguard children’s rights.
“This Multi-Partner Trust Fund initiative directly contributes to our endeavor to reinforce systems that comprehensively protect children and our work is firmly anchored in the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which mandates the State to ensure the best interests of children are upheld,” said Minister Moyo.
Rising Risks for Children on the Move
Zimbabwe remains a country of origin, transit and destination for children migrating alone.
Economic hardship, climate change impacts, limited livelihood opportunities, strained social services and the lingering effects of COVID-19 have intensified unsafe and irregular migration, particularly among vulnerable children.
Etona Ekole, UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe, highlighted the growing protection crisis affecting children on the move.
“Every day, thousands of children are forced to move without the protection and care of their parents or caregivers.
When children travel alone, their vulnerability increases dramatically, exposing them to violence, exploitation, trafficking, abuse and even arbitrary detention,” said Ekole. “No child should face these risks.”
UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Government of Zimbabwe, IOM and other partners to ensure that unaccompanied and separated children receive comprehensive protection and support services.
Strengthening Reception and Support Centres
Under the joint programme, partners will enhance child protection services at Reception and Support Centres located in Chirundu, Beitbridge and Plumtree — key border points along major migration routes.
Services to be strengthened include:
Temporary shelter
Food assistance
Health screening
Psychosocial support
Education support
Child-friendly spaces
The programme will also refurbish Reception and Support Centres in Beitbridge and Plumtree to ensure they meet minimum international standards, while reinforcing child protection services in Chirundu.
In addition, awareness-raising initiatives targeting transporters and cross-border traders will be rolled out to help reduce child smuggling and exploitation risks along migration corridors.
Diana Cartier, IOM Zimbabwe Chief of Mission, said the initiative translates global migration commitments into tangible protection measures.
“A child on the move should not have to choose between danger and indifference. Through this Joint Programme, we are translating regional and global commitments into real protection along migration routes, ensuring that every child, regardless of status, encounters safety, dignity, and opportunity,” said Cartier.
Alignment with National and Global Frameworks
The programme aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (2026–2030), the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022–2026), and the Global Compact for Migration.
It also advances key Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 1.3 on social protection systems and SDG 10.7 on facilitating safe, orderly and regular migration.
The joint initiative marks a significant step in strengthening Zimbabwe’s child protection systems amid growing migration pressures, placing the safety, dignity and wellbeing of unaccompanied and separated children at the forefront of national and regional migration responses.