The SVG Human Rights Association Observes International/Universal Children’ Day

The SVG Human Rights Association Observes International/Universal Children’ Day Today November 20th.

In a release, the Association said International Children’s Day is recognized a day when Children – including of Vincentian children, are remembered, celebrated and highlighted or focused on.

The  Association says it looks forward to positive changes for the benefit of the “at risk”, marginalized, vulnerable children of the state in 2020, changes in a number of areas, including the Policy in programme perspective on the rights of the Child; among other things.

The release says although there are successes; such as the 100% Immunisation, increase in Breast feeding for infants and toddlers, the naming of Child Friendly schools, the passage of the Child Care and Adoption Act, along with the Child Abuse Reporting Procedures, there are some challenges still facing Vincentian children:

Including:

1. Child abuse in all its forms; physical, sexual, psychological,
2. Absence of legislation for an adequate Foster Care programme,
3. Failure to implement major aspects of the policies and principles enunciated in the Convention on the Rights of the Child,
4. The treatment of children who have infringed the criminal law by detaining them in cells either with adults or at Police stations,
5. The passage of the Child Justice bill,
6. The absence of a rehabilitation Centre for the Juvenile male and female,
7. Failure to adhere to the USAID Juvenile Justice Reform Project by NOT housing boys in conflict with the law at Liberty Lodge so that they could be involved in a rehabilitative, reintegrated process, thus encouraging restorative Justice.

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Human Rights   Association      looks forward to positive changes for the benefit of the “at risk”, marginalized, vulnerable children of the state in 2020, changes in:

1. Policy in programme perspective on the rights of the Child; planned and executed in ALL schools, PTA’ and town hall meetings, in collaboration with stakeholders,
2. The development, circulation and education of regulations for implementation of the Child Protection and Child Care legislation, so that they can be effected,
3. A well staffed Family Affairs Department with innovative, proactive and interested professionals, with access to transportation so as to address Child Abuse w3ith expediency.

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