IJM calls for dedicated child protection fund under DACF to strengthen child protection

Anita Budu, the Country Director of International Justice Mission (IJM), has advocated for the creation of a dedicated child protection fund at the district level through the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) allocation framework. Mrs. Budu emphasized that such funding would provide district authorities with a stable financial resource to tackle child protection issues, thereby enhancing their ability to safeguard vulnerable children within their communities.

Addressing the theme "Beyond Policy: Financing Child Protection to Secure Every Child’s Future" at the Mensvic Hotel on September 17, she stressed that child protection challenges are prevalent within communities and necessitate adequate resources for effective district responses. She detailed that the proposed fund would empower district authorities to identify vulnerable children, address child protection cases, support affected families, and enhance prevention initiatives.

"We call for a dedicated child protection fund at the district level through the District Assemblies Common Fund Allocation Framework," she stated. The IJM official noted that their partnership with district-level actors has underscored the critical need for local authorities to possess the necessary resources to tackle child protection concerns.

According to Mrs. Budu, "As an organization that works closely with district actors, we understand that providing them with dedicated funding will have a substantial and direct impact on the wellbeing of children in these communities." She highlighted that predictable funding at the district level would bolster the capacity of local authorities to manage cases involving at-risk children and support preventive measures against child protection violations.

Mrs. Budu concluded that securing a dedicated funding mechanism would ensure that child protection remains a practical priority at the local level, rather than relying solely on policies and programs without the requisite resources for their implementation. She underscored that augmenting investment in child protection is essential to reinforce existing measures and guarantee that vulnerable children receive the necessary protection and support.