Latest update November 26th, 2024 1:00 AM
UNICEF applauds child protection initiatives
UNICEF’s Deputy Representative to Guyana, Deguene Fall, has commended the efforts of Minister of Human Services, Priya Manickchand, to implement minimum standards for children homes.
Fall, who is also representative to Suriname and Trinidad, was speaking at the launch of the standards by the Ministry of Human Services, on Thursday.
She said that UNICEF unequivocally believes in and is guided by child rights including the best interest of the child, non-discrimination, development, survival, participation and influence.
Fall said that socio-economic problems, including poverty, migration and HIV/AIDS, continue to affect the ability of families to care for children.
This, Fall said, has contributed to the number of children in residential homes and the need for the implementation of minimum standards to guide and monitor the administration of care.
The UNICEF representative disclosed that the standards will promote the implementations of the provision of the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC).
“UNICEF is keenly aware of the extreme importance of these standards and we commend your Ministry…for advancing this initiative, especially in light of the forthcoming children’s legislation,” Fall stated.
She said UNICEF is also committed to supporting the measures in place for alternative care and the reintegration of the children with relatives.
According to Fall, the fund notes the mechanisms in place to prevent, train and monitor the passage and enforcement of legislative policy.
She applauded the administrators of the institutions who have committed to implementing the standards.
“Certainly, this is a clear example where we have collectively moved from words to deeds – the process of consultation in February 2006, the finalization of the report and the signing of the declaration to adhere to the minimum standards in October of the same year and the implementation of the project in 2007 and 2008,” the Deputy Representative said.
She pointed out that institutional care is still an important response to children, as evidence by the number of children residing in care facilities.
“The implementation of these standards is of extreme importance to ensure that the rights of children are safeguarded and the CRC is fully implemented,” Fall stressed.
The UNICEF representative said she is extremely satisfied that the partnership has launched another significant initiative for children.
“We at UNICEF look forward to moving ahead with all our partners, driven by the dedication, commitment, energy and concern demonstrated for children.”
Fall added that UNICEF will ensure there is a protective environment for children through the enforcement of policies and legislation.
She said the fund will support the strengthening of government’s commitment and capacity, promote the enforcement of legislation and encourage children issues.
According to Fall, these steps will be enhanced through the media, training of families, providing of essential services, establishing and implementing effective monitoring.
“UNICEF is resolute in its commitment to this partnership in order to realize the rights of all children,” Fall stated.
Coordinator of Child Protection Services, Ann Greene, said that because of the impact of HIV/AIDS, institutional care continues to be widely used around the world.
Greene noted that children now stay well beyond a temporary stage in homes that lack basic regulations and standards.
“General standards are lacking; there is very little social work intervention and non-adherence to standards is rampant,” the Coordinator said.
She added that the Ministry now intends to ensure that there are legally binding regulations.
Greene remarked that part of the effort would entail finding alternative solutions to institutional care including foster homes.
“It’s a milestone but we are working on many more interventions. We are committed to providing support for their wellbeing and development along with a competent workforce to provide social services,” the Child Protection Head stated.
She said some of the strategies include training and retraining of staff, especially those with troubled children in their care.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
A call for more cultural centres
…Peeping Tom Kaieteur News- Burnham’s decision to divert the Indian Immigration Fund towards constructing the National... more
Rising Gun Crimes in the Caribbean: Urgent Action required by all
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger... more
Weekend Cartoon
