Human Services Ministry voices concern over child tragedies

Apr 05, 2014 News

– slams irresponsible reporting

Recent child-related tragedies, coupled with irresponsible reporting in this regard, have led the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to issue a firm statement emphasizing the importance of child protection.
Since children ought to feel safe with their families, in their communities and schools, it remains the responsibility of the adults who surround them to ensure that this right to safety and freedom from harm is maintained, the Ministry stated.
Moreover, the Ministry, in lamenting the recent tragedies, pointed out that the nation is grappling to come to terms with the series of child-related tragedies that “have rocked the core of the Guyanese society.”
The incidents, the Ministry highlighted, range from filicide (the murders of the children in Port Kaituma and Mahaicony), to suicides, and rape of innocent and vulnerable children.
“The Government of Guyana cannot, and will not condone the continued abuse and destruction of our most valuable resource by the few aberrant minds that mingle among us daily.”
Equally, the Ministry said that it views with dismay recent irresponsible reporting on issues relating to children. “The Ministry has zero tolerance for damaging media reports and images, and urges all media personnel to desist from publishing reports and images that are harmful to children and, to at all times, report on issues relating to children in a responsible manner.”
In its quest to address situations that oppose child protection, the Ministry has in the past undertaken a number of responses. Among these are the establishment of the Childcare and Protection Agency, the passage of the seven pieces of legislation, the provision of a 24-hour Child Protection hotline service (227-0979) and the expansion of counselling and psychosocial support in every region of the country.
“One cannot deny that we face many challenges on a daily basis, in our lives. However, the overall wellbeing of each member of our society remains our government’s top priority,” the Ministry said.
However, it was highlighted in the statement that each citizen has a responsibility as well “to protect and stop the abuse of vulnerable children who are dependent upon the love and support of all of us.
“We need to unite to ensure that those who need assistance access the professional services available. We must recognize the importance of being our brother and our sister’s keeper, and report every incident of abuse, without fear or favour.”
And since “Child Protection is everyone’s business,” the Ministry is urging that “We must stop this abuse, neglect and wanton destruction of young lives. We cannot afford to lose our children!”
Moreover, the Ministry is appealing to all Faith-Based Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations and civil society, to join its efforts as partners, to find solutions for positive outcomes for the children of Guyana.
It is also urging that the media support such efforts by embracing the tenets of good journalism and be responsible in how it disseminates issues and images that can affect children.
“We have partnered with the media in the past to educate persons on the best practices of media reporting and children. We will continue this effort and ask our partners to join us in better preparing our media workers.”
The statement further appealed to editors to use their position of influence for the betterment, rather than detriment of children.

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Human Services Ministry voices concern over child tragedies

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