Latest update January 27th, 2025 4:30 AM
Jun 25, 2008 News
– UNICEF Rep
“A child who is abused by a stranger can run home for protection but a child who is abused at home has nowhere to run,” UNICEF’s Deputy Representative to Guyana, Deguene Fall said.
Addressing the participants of the National Conference on the Elimination of Violence against Women and Children, Fall said no act of violence is justifiable but all acts of violence are preventable.
She disclosed that over 53,000 persons were murdered worldwide in 2002 while 11 percent of girls reported that they were abused.
Fall pointed out that a children’s programme in Guyana revealed that three percent of girls were raped and seven percent reported rape attempts.
According to Fall, these figures are not just statistics and facts but represents today’s reality.
She noted that no longer can we speak of human rights without mentioning the protection of children from violence.
She said the national conference is a big milestone for women and children in Guyana and is warmly applauded by UNICEF.
The UNICEF Representative stressed that violence is not unique to Guyana but is an international issue.
Fall emphasized that the effort involves doctors, teachers, civil society, magistrates, police, prosecutors, religious leaders, government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
“All are involved in this fight to ensure urgent action and appropriate measures in sustaining a safe environment,” she disclosed.
She pointed out that by being signatory to the Rights of the Child Convention, government has assumed responsibility for protecting its children.
UNICEF has reiterated its support to all strategies aimed at eliminating violence, Fall informed.
According to her, health workers must ensure services are more child-friendly and women must report cases of abuse.
“Parents must also find alternative ways of discipline. Talk to your children they will listen,” the UNICEF Representative advised.
She disclosed that UNICEF will soon launch a media campaign to stamp out violence in collaboration with the Human Services Ministry.
Fall remarked that violence in Guyana can and must be prevented and citizens should “ensure it’s everyone’s business”.
Permanent Secretary within the Human Services Ministry, Trevor Thomas said that all must work collaboratively at effective strategies.
He mentioned that those involved must challenge systems that once existed while ensuring that much more is done today.
According to Thomas, everyone has a role to play regardless of race, religion, age, gender or nationality.
“We must realise that it cuts across every social strata in society and we must deal with it in a comprehensive, aggressive manner,” the Permanent Secretary said.
Jan 27, 2025
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