Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Zambia: A children’s perspective shadow report

For a considerable period of time the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) in Zambia with support from several International Organizations such as Save the Children, UNICEF, World Vision and others including the Zambian Government have supported the concept of meaningful child participation.

These organizations have supported the government in domesticating international and regional treaties that uphold the rights of children. Among the international and regional treaties signed to ensure the participation of children in decision making in Zambia is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children (UNCRC) signed in 1991 and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) signed in 1992.

Designed and formulated in the spirit of unity with a spectrum of stakeholders so that “No One is Left Behind”, in the national development agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals Voluntary National Reviews (VNR) provides an opportunity for minority groups such as children who for a long time have been ignored to participate in national matters to freely participate in the matters of national development.

It is from this background that this report was developed through a complete child-led process. The views contained in this report represent the voices and views of children aged between 2 – 18 years from different social economic background. It is hoped that the views of children echoing in the pages of this report will facilitate the appreciation of meaningful child participation in national developments, thereby strengthening national policies, institutions and foster partnerships in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.