A new Child Care and Welfare Protection Bill aims to establish a national child protection system in Vanuatu, strengthening legal measures to prevent and respond to child abuse, violence, neglect and other forms of harm.
The Bill is scheduled for consideration during Parliament’s extraordinary sitting.
The explanatory note accompanying the Bill says reported levels of child abuse and violence in Vanuatu have increased in recent years. It identifies sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect and harmful traditional practices among the forms of abuse experienced by children.
The Bill also recognises that children can be particularly vulnerable during emergencies, a concern for Vanuatu as a disaster-prone country.
If enacted, the legislation would require the best interests of the child to be considered whenever powers are exercised or functions performed under the Act. It would also define when a child is considered to be in need of protection.
The Ministry of Justice, Youth and Community Services would become the lead agency responsible for managing and coordinating child protection services.
The proposed framework would involve government agencies, non-government organisations, traditional leaders, churches and other community groups in supporting children and families. It would also set out parents’ responsibilities to safeguard their children’s protection and wellbeing.
A formal system would be established to report, refer and respond to cases involving children in need of protection. Government agencies could also be required to provide information needed to support applications for child protection orders.
The Bill provides for assessments, procedures and mediation aimed at protecting children’s safety and wellbeing. Child Protection Officers would be empowered to intervene where there are reasonable grounds to believe a child’s current environment is dangerous.
It would also establish a legal framework for granting and revoking Child Protection Orders and provide for alternative care arrangements for children without parental care or who cannot safely remain with their parents.
The Government says the proposed legislation would give effect to Vanuatu’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the National Child Protection Policy 2016 and the National Sustainable Development Plan.
If passed, the Bill would establish a more comprehensive legal framework for protecting children and coordinating responses to abuse, neglect and violence.
SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST
