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Uphold the rights of the child
Dear Editor,
As Guyana joins the rest of the world in celebrating the 28th anniversary of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) on November 20, 2017, it is important that we recognise the connection between child protection and our nation’s well-being. Protecting children from violence and abuse is critical to ensuring economic and social development in society as well as achieving several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Developmental Goals (UN SDGs). More importantly, it is about doing the rights things to keep children safe from all forms of abuse.
There has been an increase in the number of reported cases of child abuse to the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) over the past several years. According to ChildLinK’s Child Neglect in Guyana Report (Henry, 2017) there were 2,745 reported cases of child abuse in 2014. In 2016 the number of reported cases increased to 4,015- an increase of 19 percent.
While it is important to know the reason for the increase of reported cases, the impact of child abuse and the importance of ensuring children are protected need to be at or near the forefront of our national deliberations. Children who are abused-physically, sexually, verbally or neglected- are at risk of failing to develop to their full potential if they do not receive psychosocial support or trauma focused therapy.
A child who experiences abuse may react in several ways depending on the type of abuse and the child’s ability to cope: suicidal thoughts and attempts; self harm; aggressive behaviour; truancy; or reclusion just to name a few. These behaviours may affect the child’s educational achievement.
The end result is the possible reduction of the quality of our human capital and future labour force which will have economic, social and even national security implications. In the cases that do come to the attention of the authorities there is an economic cost of intervention and prosecution that is a necessary strain on the nation’s coffers.
Therefore, when we fail to ensure that children are protected from violence and abuse there is a possible constraint to Guyana’s ability to achieve several of the UN’s SDGs; number four- ensuring quality education and promoting lifelong learning and number eight which seeks to promote sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all.
This suggests that children who experience abuse are likely to remain poor, disadvantaged and less likely to contribute to Guyana’s development.
The ChildLinK 2016 study: An Analysis of the Nature and Extent of Institutionalisation of Children in Guyana (Bess-Bacom) revealed that girls between the ages of 10 and16 are vulnerable to being placed in institutional care as a result of sexual abuse. The continued sexual abuse of girls will hinder Guyana’s ability to achieve the UN SDG number five which seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Gender equality cannot be realized if girls are subject to sexual abuse and separated from their families.
According to the Child Neglect in Guyana report the main contributing factor to child neglect is lack of finances. The study revealed that “lack of finances for transportation, food and school supplies have been among the leading causes of habitual absence of children from school.” This affects the child’s potential educational attainment which will affect his/her future income earning capacity.
Affected income earning capacity may contribute to either a cycle of poverty or resorting to criminal activity- a national security concern. Child neglect and child poverty will hinder Guyana’s ability to achieve the UN SDG number one which aims to end poverty in all its forms.
Ultimately, the issue of the importance of child protection is personal. Every child has the right to grow up in an environment in which they feel safe and have the freedom to learn as well as to explore their potential
The UNCRC serves as a guideline for States to utilise to strengthen national legislation and adopt policies to improve the lives of children. Stronger legislation and improved policies, once implemented and enforced, will not only improve the quality of life for children but economic and social well-being of our nation.
Yours faithfully,
Hasani Tinnie
Communications Officer
Child Rights Alliance
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