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Introduction The National Agenda for Children is a five-year framework (2012-2016) devised to guide all sectors in Namibia towards fulfilling their obligation to ensure that all the rights of children are met. Five priority commitments form the basis of the Agenda. These commitments build on the achievements and progress made under the National Plan of Action for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (2006-2010), as well as sectoral commitments made by government ministries tasked to fulfill children’s rights.

  Purpose The purpose of the National Agenda for Children (2012-2016) aims to achieve the key child development outcomes defined in the Millennium Development Goals and Vision 2030, and to strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration to that end.

 Guiding Principles

Key principles guiding the National Agenda for Children are in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. The National Agenda for Children is spear headed by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare which is also the custodian of all children in Namibia. The Rights and Welfare of the child are as following: •	The best interest of the child as primary consideration in all actions concerning children •	Non-discrimination regardless of any child’s background or status. •	The Right of every child to survival and development, which includes adequate food, clean water, shelter, education, skills and health care. •	The right of the child to be treated with dignity and not to be exploited, abused, neglected or treated with cruelty. •	The right of the children to express their views and actively participate in decisions affecting them. •	Taking into account social and economic conditions specific to the African continent.

''Strategic Focus   The National Agenda for Children provides an accountability framework which'':

•	will enable equitable resource allocation for children as per their rights, •	ensures integrated programming by different sectors in the best interests of children, •	supports the building of national systems and innovate programming; •	and allows for the clear articulation of progress on each result through strengthened monitoring and coordination mechanisms.