“At Child Desk, we say our work spans across the whole chain of justice — it is our Vanuatu Police Force, our justice agencies including courts, Public Solicitor, Office of the Public Prosecutor, Corrections, and of course communities themselves who encounter children at their most vulnerable,” she said.

“The support offered by Child Desk to address, refer, support, and advocate for children in need of care and protection provides a vital link to these different services.

“Every time a child interacts with justice services, whether that’s an MoJCS agency lawyer, a police officer, a chief in the village, or an officer in detention settings — these moments must provide the highest quality of care for child victims, witnesses, offenders, and the most vulnerable.”

As part of its sector-wide effort to protect children, the MoJCS collaborates with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and international partners to deliver a holistic approach, ensuring children have access to quality services.

One notable partnership is with Australia, which has increased its support to enhance children’s access to quality justice services and aid Child Desk in utilising best practice service delivery models.

The Vanuatu-Australia partnership initiatives include the establishment of purpose-built child-friendly spaces in MoJCS offices in Port Vila, Santo, and Tanna.

These spaces offer child victims of serious violence and neglect a welcoming environment as they navigate their recovery. Additionally, a new database system for child case management has been introduced.

“For children at risk, it means faster responses and referrals, more personalised care, and improved privacy. That’s what matters.

“Now we can be there for more children and we’re grateful for the support of Australia and all our partners,” said Ms Karae.

Karae noted that the scope and scale of the Vanuatu-Australia partnership elevate child-centered work across the entire justice sector and reach even the farthest corners of Vanuatu.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST