Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Honourable Moeti Caesar Mohwasa, officially launched the Child Friendly Policing Documentary recently in Gaborone.

The documentary, a collaboration between the Botswana Police Service (BPS) and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), showcases the work of Child-Friendly Service Centres and reaffirms the Government and development partners’ commitment to strengthening child protection systems.

In his keynote address, Minister Mohwasa emphasised that safeguarding vulnerable children is a true measure of national progress and stressed that child protection is fundamental to sustainable development, social stability and justice. He further noted that a trauma-informed approach strengthens investigations and accountability by ensuring children feel safe when reporting abuse.

The Minister acknowledged the support of development partners, including the Governments of Japan and the United Kingdom, as well as UNICEF, in strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing the shared commitment to the rights and welfare of children.

In her welcome remarks, Commissioner of Police, Commissioner Dinah Marathe described the documentary as a strategic milestone in institutionalising a child-centred justice system. She highlighted that eight Child-Friendly Service Centres have been established nationwide, providing safe and specialised environments for children. The Commissioner said that in 2025, about 50 percent of child-related cases resulted in arrests, supported by improved case preparation and specialised training conducted under a Joint Rolling Workplan signed with UNICEF.

Commissioner Marathe further outlined plans to expand Child-Friendly Centres to all policing districts, prioritising high-need areas subject to resource availability. She underscored the Police Service’s continued commitment to rights-based and trauma-informed interventions to enhance access to justice for children.

Speaking at the launch, UNICEF Representative Dr. Kimanzi Muthengi described the documentary as both a milestone and a call to action. He commended police officers for demonstrating compassion and professionalism and urged stakeholders to strengthen prevention and response systems.

The occasion also held a panel discussion with the Former National Children’s Consultative Forum Chairperson, Aumakwe Aaron, Director of Gender and Child Protection Branch, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police, Goitseone Ngono, Assistant Registrar, Jobbie Moilatshimo and Ambassador, British High Commissioner, His Excellency Giles Enticknap.