Charity Children’s Court Officially Commissioned
Strengthening Child Protection and Access to Justice in Guyana
Guyana, Georgetown– 13 June 2025 – The Judiciary of Guyana in partnership with the Government of Guyana and UNICEF, officially commissioned the Charity Children’s Court in Region Two, on June 12, marking a significant milestone in advancing child-sensitive justice systems in the country.
The Charity Children’s Court is only the third of its kind in Guyana, following earlier establishments in Georgetown and Berbice. Its opening reinforces the Government and Judiciary’s commitment to upholding children’s rights, in line with international standards, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
As part of its partnership with the Judiciary of Guyana, UNICEF supported the establishment of the new Children’s Court, forming part of a broader program to promote restorative justice and ensure that children who come in contact with the law are treated with dignity and in a developmentally appropriate manner.
“With this initiative we focus on restorative justice and uplifting children.” said Justice of Appeal Navindra Singh, addressing the gathering. “These courts give children the opportunity to re-write their choices; that’s how we prevent them from being lost in the system.”
In his remarks, UNICEF Representative a.i. Mr. Gabriel Vockel congratulated the Government of Guyana and the Judiciary on the launch of the new court and reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting justice systems that protect and empower all children.
“UNICEF will continue to work alongside the Judiciary, Government and communities to ensure that Guyana’s justice system is child-friendly, gender-sensitive and equipped to secure every child’s rights”, said Vockel.
Commissioning the building was the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, the Honorable Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, and UNICEF Representative a.i. Gabriel Vockel, highlighting the significance of investing in Guyana’s children, particularly within the context of access to justice.
“Children are our country’s greatest resource,” said the Honorable Attorney General. “As Guyana undergoes economic and social transformation, our justice system must evolve as well, especially to serve those most vulnerable. These Children’s Courts are an essential step in achieving this goal.”
Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Madame Justice the Honorable Yonette Cummings-Edwards noted that the new children’s court in Essequibo is finally a realization of a commitment made a few years ago - the reality of which could only be achieved with the generous support of the Government of Guyana and UNICEF.
“This court is a tangible demonstration of the Judiciary’s commitment to modernization and ensuring equitable access to justice for all children,” she stated.
“The CRC, particularly Article 40, affirms that children alleged or accused of infringing penal law must be treated in a way that promotes their dignity and worth. The Judiciary of Guyana is resolute in upholding these principles.”
The commissioning ceremony featured cultural performances by students of Charity Primary and Secondary Schools, a musical interlude by Mr. Roy Stewart, and an original poem entitled Perseverance performed by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, celebrating resilience and justice.
According to UNICEF data, more than 60% of children in Guyana experience some form of violence, while only a small proportion of cases reach formal legal systems.
The Children’s Court initiative, launched with support from UNICEF, began in 2018 as part of wider reforms to align Guyana’s justice system with international child protection standards. The courts are designed to handle both child victims and survivors of crimes as well as children in conflict with the law, incorporating specialized procedures, trained personnel, and restorative justice practices. The opening of the Charity Children’s Court marks another step in a sustained journey toward ensuring justice systems in Guyana are responsive to the unique needs of every child.
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UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org.
