UNICEF Calls for Action to Keep Promise to Children

August 8, 2024 – Kingston: UNICEF Representative, Olga Isaza is calling for renewed attention to be placed on converting policies into action if Jamaica is to advance its steps towards eliminating violence against children.

In particular, she pointed to an urgent need for a comprehensive update of the National Plan of Action for an Integrated Response to Children and Violence (NPACV). The necessary funds should also be allocated, she added. This would pave the path towards the ultimate objective and create the opportunity to reinforce the coordination mechanisms while strengthening the programs and services to protect children from violence.

“The complexity and urgency of the situation demand our attention and translation of policies into action. The promise made to children must be kept. All stakeholders must come together and take collective action,” she said.

Ms Isaza was addressing the National Preparatory Session for the Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children held on August 7 at the Terra Nova Hotel. More than 100 stakeholders gathered to discuss the work of protecting children and how this can be accelerated. The session was hosted by the Ministry of Education and Youth (MOEY) and the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) with support from UNICEF.

The first-ever Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children is scheduled for November this year in Bogota, Colombia and aims to advance the global child protection agenda.

Jamaica is a Pathfinder country

Of the 192 countries that will attend the global conference, Jamaica is one of 25 “Pathfinder” countries that has demonstrated a commitment to the issue of violence against children, and a willingness to implement policies and changes at the national level, and as a result, was selected to participate in national preparatory sessions.

“We are pleased that Jamaica is among these committed nations because of the significant strides you have made by enacting essential laws and promoting positive practices,” Ms Isaza said. She also reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to making a significant contribution to ending violence against children in Jamaica and called for continued collaboration.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Dr. Kasan Troupe, who spoke on behalf of the Education Minister, Hon. Fayval Williams, reinforced the call for collective action to end violence against children, starting in the homes while State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge agreed that addressing the challenge requires the support of all stakeholders, including the public and private sectors, civil society, international partners, and most importantly, parents.

The preparatory session featured presentations on the policy, legal and regulatory framework to end violence against children, as well as integrating and using data and research. Key players were also involved in panel discussions on the quality of services for children as well as access to these services for children affected by violence. Building the capacity of families and communities to end violence against children was also explored.

A special appeal on behalf of children was also made by adolescent twins Ngozi and Tafari Wright, who in 2019, were among the first group of children in Jamaican history to address Parliament in a Special Session on Violence against Children. That session was organized by UNICEF to commemorate the 30^th anniversary of the CRC. Adding their voices to the robust discussions were members of the National Secondary Students Council (NSSC).

The global conference coincides with the observance of the 35th Anniversary of the CRC in November and is hosted by the Government of Colombia in collaboration with the Government of Sweden, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the United Nations Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children. Jamaica is a signatory to this landmark treaty which outlines the fundamental rights of every child to survive, thrive, be protected, and actively participate in decisions affecting them, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Since ratifying the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Jamaica has made many policy advances, including the adoption of the Child Care and Protection Act (CCPA) and the National Plan of Action for an Integrated Response to Children and Violence (NPACV). These frameworks symbolize Jamaica’s commitment to the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children.