WINDHOEK, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare launched the Child Care and Protection Act here on Monday.

Doreen Sioka, Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare said that the Child Care and Protection Act (No. 3 of 2015), which was passed into law and commenced in late January this year, would serve as a regulatory instrument to promote and protect the rights of all children in the country.

The enactment of the long-awaited Act replaces the old Children's Act of 1960 and Children State Act of 2006.

"The Act formalizes the legal, social and administrative processes and serves as a legal framework for the care of children, and mandates an increased focus on prevention, early detection and inter-country adoption," she said.

The Act comprises two sets of regulations: for the operation of the children's court under the Ministry of Justice, while the gender ministry covers all other components that will also see the establishment of new child-focused initiatives.

Also speaking at the launch, Rachel Odede, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund country representative, said that the Act further translates global commitments into law and commits to a holistic approach to protecting children.

Meanwhile, an Advisory Council will be set up to oversee the implementation of the Act and monitor progress.

Namibia was recently ranked seventh in the child- friendliness index compiled by the African Child Policy Forum.