Speaking at the end of his two day visit to Zimbabwe, Lake wished Zimbabwe a peaceful election adding that Zimbabweans have a collective duty to ensure that children and women suffer no violence and disruption to their lives during elections.
“At times of great uncertainty, such as during an election, it is important that homes, communities, and schools continue to be havens of safety for children. Children are not political and should be sheltered, in all countries, from political turbulence. They should have uninterrupted access to basic social services,” said Lake
During the visit, Lake met with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister, Nicholas Goche, both of whom pledged to heed the call to protect children.