Windhoek — The National Council and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday, aimed at strengthening collaboration on the promotion and protection of children’s rights.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Windhoek, Chairperson of the National Council, hon. Lukas Sinimbo Muha, described the agreement as a “historic and noble occasion,” highlighting a shared commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of children in Namibia.
Hon Muha said the partnership is grounded in Article 15 of the Namibian Constitution and reinforced by international conventions on child rights. He emphasised that the National Council, as the Upper House of Parliament, has a critical role in reviewing legislation, representing regional interests, and ensuring that children’s voices are reflected in policymaking.
“Children are at the heart of our nation’s future. It is our solemn duty to ensure that their voices are heard, their rights respected, and their welfare safeguarded,” he said.
Through the MoU, the two institutions will collaborate on several key areas, including strengthening child participation through structures such as the Junior National Council and Junior Regional Councils, enhancing the capacity of parliamentarians to integrate child-sensitive approaches into legislation and budgeting, and promoting community engagement to ensure inclusive decision-making.
The agreement also seeks to address key issues affecting children, including education, health, child protection, gender equality, and social protection, in line with national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
UNICEF Representative to Namibia, Samuel Kweku Ocran, said the signing of the MoU represents more than a formal agreement, describing it as a clear demonstration of commitment to improving the lives of children.
“This occasion marks more than a formal agreement it signals a shared commitment to advancing the rights and wellbeing of every child in Namibia,” Ocran said.
He noted that the partnership will help strengthen institutions and promote inclusive governance, ensuring that policies are more responsive and equitable.
Ocran also highlighted the important role of the National Council in championing child rights at the highest levels of decision-making, given its constitutional mandate.
The MoU establishes a framework for ongoing cooperation between the two institutions, with implementation to be guided by annual work plans, monitoring, and regular reviews to ensure accountability and measurable impact.
