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Civilians to form new group to champion child rights
…says justice for abused one-year-old is still being overlooked
The group of public spirited citizens calling for justice for the one-year-old toddler who suffered abuse at the hands of her 19-year-old babysitter has stated that they will be forming a new group to proactively campaign for child rights.
The organiser, Sarah Balgobin, claims that the case of the abused one-year-old toddler glaringly exhibits that more ought to be done for the rights of children.
Peaceful vigil outside GHRA
She claimed that those human rights groups who protest for the 19-year-old babysitter are still failing to acknowledge the real victim in the case.
Fatima Martin is the 19-year-old at the centre of the confrontation. On February 14, she was hauled before the courts and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment after she confessed to inflicting grievous bodily harm on the one-year-old child who was in her care.
Reports are that the babysitter, who flew in a fit of vexation with the toddler, dealt her several slaps and even choked her. However, amidst public outcry over the sentence, pro-bono lawyers moved to appeal the sentence and have since secured $100,000 bail for the young woman.
The group has since been calling for justice for the afflicted child as they gathered for several nights in front of the Guyana Human Rights Centre which houses the association on Hadfield Street and Austin Place.
In response to the views publically expressed by Karen De Souza of Red Thread, the organiser laments that demonstrators and human rights’ groups need to be more responsible with the way they respond to cases.
In light of admission that they did not know the extent of the child’s injuries, Balgobin expressed that human rights’ activists should conduct investigations before going public.
Balgobin acknowledges that there are allegations against the child’s parents but recommends that those groups focus on the accusations separately and not continue to neglect the need for justice for the child who is the real victim in the situation.
She made pellucid her belief that any responsible citizen should stand up and speak out against violence against children.
“We are talking about a defenseless baby who cannot speak yet her rights continue to be over looked; any responsible citizen would speak out.”
Balgobin expressed willingness to work alongside Red Thread and other human rights organisations to battle injustice and violence.
“There is a need for persons to champion for children and I am willing to work with other non-governmental organisations to help further the cause.”
She explained that when formed, the group will have clear cut goals, objectives and approached geared towards issues affecting children.
“It is not an effort to discredit any organisation. We are looking forward to being more vocal and proactive for issues affecting children.”
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