On Friday 15th September, 2023, the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion through the National Child Development Agency (NCDA), in partnership with UNICEF officially launched a Rwanda's National Child Protection Case Management (CPCM) Framework that will strengthen the provision of integrated child protection services. This launch was done through a high-level multisectoral meeting that brought together ministries and Government agencies, as well as partners involved in supporting children.

This framework is a step further in the ongoing strengthening of the entire child protection system aimed at providing a well-coordinated, multi-sectoral collaboration in delivering prevention and response services, including support from social protection, education, justice, health, and social welfare for children and families. It will improve service coordination, child centeredness, accountability, and efficiency in addressing child protection needs.

The Director General of the National Child Development Agency (NCDA) Ms. Ingabire Assumpta explained the development process of the CPCM framework. She pointed out that the framework was informed by an assessment of Rwanda’s child protection system. The assessment focused on legal and policy framework, governance and coordination, continuum of services, human resources, child participation as well as data collection and monitoring. She urged all stakeholders to work together to implement the framework.

“The NCDA and other government entities shall support and coordinate with relevant child protection actors at the subnational level to start implementing the CPCM Framework across all districts”. She said

This framework was developed by the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF) through the NCDA, with support from UNICEF. 

During its launch, the UNICEF's Country Representative to Rwanda Mrs. Lindsey Julianna reiterated the need of preventing child abuse, neglect and exploitation.

“Child abuse, neglect and exploitation can be avoided. This is something that should never be allowed to happen.  When child protection violations occur, the opportunity cost is huge. It robs children of the opportunity to develop, learn and thrive to become healthy, productive citizens.”

She called upon all stakeholders to use the CPCM Framework to reimagine a safe and secure environment for all children in Rwanda.

On the other hand, the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Dr. Uwamariya Valentine described the framework as another milestone in fulfilling the Government of Rwanda's commitment to protect the child.

"It is a reflection of the commitment of the government of Rwanda in protecting the child and placing the family at the center of our development and as a prerequisite to achieve equitable and sustainable development for our country” She remarked.

The launch of the Child Protection Case Management System framework served as a platform to be endorsed by ministries and agencies, as well as partners contributing to the promotion of child protection and development. Also, the launch served as an opportune to highlight the roles and responsibilities across sectors. It is set to be operational nationwide.