BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office (DPMO) has taken a significant step toward strengthening child protection in Eswatini by engaging 30 prosecutors from across the country in a strategic dialogue on child justice.
The initiative, spearheaded by the DPMO through the National Children’s Services Department (NCSD), brings together prosecutors from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to deliberate on how the justice system can more effectively uphold the rights and welfare of children. The session, held at Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini, includes representatives from all four regions, along with officials from the Royal Eswatini Police Service and the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development.
At the centre of the discussion is the promotion of a more collaborative and child-sensitive approach to justice, particularly through community-based interventions. A key focus is the role of Imiphakatsi Child Justice Committees, which were established under Section 121 of the Children’s Protection and Welfare Act. These committees operate at community level and aim to rehabilitate children in conflict with the law through restorative, rather than punitive, measures.
By bringing prosecutors into direct conversation with other justice and community stakeholders, the DPMO hopes to bridge the gap between formal judicial processes and local-level restorative mechanisms. The engagement encourages insight sharing and consensus-building to support a system where children’s best interests are prioritised at every stage of the legal process.
“This initiative reflects Eswatini’s continued commitment to a child-friendly justice system rooted in holistic care, rehabilitation, and community involvement,” said an NCSD official.
The prosecutors, who are directly involved in decisions that impact children in the courts, are being encouraged to apply a more nuanced understanding of children’s rights and the importance of diversion programmes. The initiative is expected to improve coordination between courts and communities, ensuring better outcomes for vulnerable children.
The cross-sectoral dialogue forms part of Eswatini’s broader strategy to implement the Children’s Protection and Welfare Act effectively, and to meet the country’s international obligations on the rights of the child. The DPMO has reiterated its commitment to creating safe, supportive, and just environments for every child in Eswatini.
(Pics by: DPMO)
