Child Protection a Priority for all Levels of Society, says UNICEF Pacific Representative
Who is responsible for keeping children safe? Where does the responsibility lie in ensuring that children are protected from violence, abuse and neglect? Everyone is. It takes a concerted effort by all members of a society at all levels to build a protective environment around their children. Such was the sentiment echoed by the UNICEF Pacific Representative Dr. Isiye Ndombi at the first Pacific Regional Child Protection Workshop, held in Suva, Fiji from the 22nd to the 26th of September. “Children will never be free from violence, abuse and exploitation until all levels of society – from the family to the international community – work together. When any of the layers of the protective environment is stripped away, a child becomes more vulnerable to exploitation, abuse and violence,” Dr. Ndombi told workshop participants in his opening address. The workshop was facilitated by the UNICEF Pacific Child Protection Team and involved community stakeholders from five Pacific countries, including Fiji, Vanuatu, Kiribati, the Solomon Islands and Samoa. With over fifty participants, each country’s delegation included representatives from NGOs, Police, the judiciary, government ministries for Women, Education and Social Welfare, as well as officials from Civil Registries and Provincial Offices. Dr. Ndombi commended the participation of such a wide cross-section of communities from each country. “I am very pleased to note that this meeting gathers such large number of stakeholders from a broad range of agencies and departments working actively to protect children against violence, abuse and exploitation in Fiji, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Samoa and the Solomon Islands,” Dr. Ndombi said. He added that the diversity of the workshop was an illustration of how child protection is indeed the responsibility of society as a whole, and that participants would benefit greatly from sharing their knowledge and experiences “I am confident that your rich experience and diverse backgrounds will help us to have very stimulating and interesting discussions over the next five days.” The UNICEF Pacific Child Protection Team has been working with governments and communities in each of the five participating countries to improve facilities, regulations and policies for ensuring a protective environment for children. The workshop focused on improving child protection awareness amongst participants and enhancing their skills in communication for social change. Participants’ views were also sought in formulating work plans for each country, outlining how UNICEF Pacific could best assist them in protecting children from violence, abuse and neglect. UNICEF Pacific Child Protection Officers also briefed participants on the latest developments in the Child Protection Baseline Research, which the UNICEF Pacific Child Protection Team is coordinating in Fiji, Vanuatu, Kiribati and the Solomon Islands. The research was conducted in partnership with local governments and community organizations, with plans also underway to begin research in Samoa. The baseline research findings will be compiled at the end of the year and will form the basis for the formulation of more effective strategies for addressing child protection challenges in the Pacific, as part of UNICEF Pacific’s five-year Multi-Country Programme 2008-2012. As a result of the UNICEF Pacific Child Protection Workshop, the UNICEF Pacific Child Protection Team has emerged with work plans for the coming year and new initiatives to pursue with their government and community partners. The team also continues to develop its partnerships with local governments and communities in making sure that Pacific children are protected from violence, abuse and neglect. The workshop, with its fruitful discussions and informative consultations represented a giant step forward in renewing the commitment of Pacific leaders to ensuring that children are raised in a safe and happy environment.
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