19/08/2026
Children in Zambia face violence across various settings, including homes, schools, institutions, and the judicial system. Experiences of physical, emotional, sexual abuse, or neglect can be painful and traumatic, leading to long-term consequences such as increased risk of future violence, lower educational attainment, and persistent health and social issues.
Corporal punishment remains prevalent in Zambia, with school violence recognized as a significant concern. Surveys reveal that 65% of students aged 13 to 15 report being bullied. Among young people aged 18-24, 20% of women and 10% of men experienced sexual violence before age 18, while 34% of women and 40% of men reported physical violence.
Currently, 6,413 children live in residential care institutions, underscoring the urgent need for a family-based alternative care system that allows children to grow up in a nurturing family environment. Additionally, approximately 1.3 million children aged 5-14 are engaged in child labor, perpetuating the cycle of intergenerational poverty and hindering national economic progress.
UNICEF
