Child protection crisis endures: Unicef

ZIMBABWE’S child protection crisis remains high despite strengthened child protection laws, with approximately 21,2% of girls aged 15-18 forced into child marriages, the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) has said.

In its 2024 annual report titled, A year of progress for every child in Zimbabwe, the UN agency said 35% of children (5-17 years) engage in labour while 26% is employed in hazardous sectors like mining and agriculture.

Unicef said poverty, social norms and weak enforcement sustained the crisis, with 64% of children enduring violent discipline and birth registration stagnating at 51%. 

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