A trained counselor should have been at this rescue mission

Jun 29, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
It is important to the wellbeing of our society that the media highlight social issues such as child sexual exploitation and abuse. Increased awareness of this scourge may prompt those responsible to do more and possibly effectuate change for the better. However, it is equally important that those involved in the rescue, investigations and reporting of child sexual exploitation and abuse cases do the right thing in the right way. Whatever actions are taken, the best interest of the child should be paramount.
On June 22, 2017, one of our prominent media houses reported the story of two teenage girls who were removed from a “sex camp” along the Amaila Falls access road, Kuribrong mining district, Region Eight. A team of officers received a tip that the two teenagers, ages 17 and 15, “were allegedly working and participating in sexual activities” at the camp. The 15 year old is below the age of consent so any adult who engaged in sexual activities with her is guilty of statutory rape. The 17 year old may be above the age of consent but the investigation could possibly reveal that she was coerced or forced into sexual activities while she was a minor. A thorough investigation may possibly confirm that these girls were being exploited for commercial purposes.
On the surface, the fact that this story was highlighted in the media is commendable. Additionally, the swift action by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) officers and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) ranks, rescuing the teenagers from the “sex camp” is commendable. More similar actions of this nature are needed to protect children, especially those in remote locations and should be coming from others in these communities and their leaders. Additionally, greater care is required to maintain the protection of children and providing the emotional care and support they need during these rescue missions and not being questioned by the press.
It is not clear why there was a reporter at the scene, directly asking the teenagers questions. Here is where a trained counselor should have been present as clearly this was a planned rescue mission. While this matter needs to be reported to the public, the rights of these teenagers and their dignity is important and garnering details from the girls should be done in a sensitive and ethical manner and by someone who is trained to address the issues of child sexual exploitation and abuse that will bring no further harm to the children.
Guyana is a signatory on the Rights of the Child Convention. According to Article 19, “State parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, mal treatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s), or any other person has care of the child.” Since these teenagers are both under the age of 18, they are classified as children under the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Children should not be exposed to the questioning of a reporter in these rescue missions. What they need is the support of a counselor. We encourage the officers to ensure that a trained counselor from the relevant agency accompany them on future exercises and the press to act with greater care.
The ChildLinK and our partners in the Child Rights Alliance (CRA) commend the act of removing these girls by the GGMC and the GPF ranks from an environment where they were possibly abused. We commend the media for their interest in social issues and support their right to bring these matters to the public’s attention. We do, however, encourage these important stakeholders to act with more sensitivity and in the best interest of children in the future.
Hasani Tinnie
Communication Officer
ChildLinK Inc

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A trained counselor should have been at this rescue mission

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