Save the Children Vanuatu launches reports on Child Protection and Exposure to Violence

Jul 31, 2024 | Initiatives and Projects | 0

Save the Children Vanuatu has launched two noteworthy reports this week: the Child Protection Situation Analysis and the Children’s Exposure to Violence report.

Annie Nichols, the Child Safeguarding and Child Protection Lead at Save the Children Vanuatu, elaborated on the importance of supporting every program they run in the areas of child protection and safeguarding, whether in the communities or through partnerships.

Nichols highlighted the critical child protection issues in Vanuatu, reflected by these studies. “The children have spoken up about the types of violence they are exposed to and have experienced, where this violence occurs, and how we can work together to address these issues in communities, schools, and homes,” she said.

“The purpose of the launch is to inform partners, especially those involved in child protection programs, about the study’s findings, the children’s experiences with violence in Vanuatu, and the recommendations provided by the children. Now that the reports are launched, we will start working with different partners to address the issues identified by the children.”

Mrs. Nichols also mentioned that Save the Children has a communication strategic plan focused on amplifying children’s voices.

Poly Banks, Country Director of Save the Children Vanuatu, stated, “The Child Protection Situational Analysis and their Pikinini Stap Sef, Filim Sef applied study represent years of hard work and dedication. They address crucial issues pivotal to our mission and the well-being of our children.”

The first report, a Pacific-wide Child Protection Situational Analysis, provides a comprehensive analysis of child protection issues in five Pacific Island countries, including Vanuatu. Data collection methods included online surveys, interviews with child protection stakeholders, and focus group discussions with parents/caregivers to ensure accuracy and relevance. The report outlines key findings, risk and protective factors, strengths and gaps in the child protection system, and offers recommendations.

The second report, Pikinini Stap Sef, Filim Sef, focuses on children’s exposure to violence. It aims to learn from Ni-Vanuatu children’s perspectives and experiences regarding violence and its impact on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

“The report serves as first-hand evidence to support our programs, elevate children’s voices in Vanuatu, inform advocacy, policy, and behavior change strategies, and contribute to the national and regional evidence pool on violence against women and children,” Banks explained.

Kalo Pakoa, National Child Safeguarding Coordinator at the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), stated, “The launch is a milestone addressing significant issues affecting people and children in Vanuatu. These reports are crucial for the Ministry of Education as they provide realistic data that can help the government and NGOs work together to tackle arising issues.”

Pakoa stressed the importance of continued collaboration to stop violence in the country, noting the initiative’s support from the United Nations, the MoET, and the Ministry of Justice and Community Services (MoJCS).

Nichols added that the Children’s Exposure to Violence study was conducted in SANMA Province in Santo and Port Vila in SHEFA, while the Child Protection Situation Analysis included input from people in the provinces of SANMA, SHEFA, PENAMA, and remote communities.

She thanked donor partners, for their continued support, which enables Save the Children to keep working with children. She also expressed gratitude to those who participated in the study, especially the children and partners who contributed their ideas and time.

Banks also acknowledged their distinguished partners, including donors DFAT and MFAT, who fund their important work through ANCP Buildem Up Beren Blong Pikinini and Negotiated Partnerships Seif Skuls.

She recognised partners delivering critical services to children and those supporting data gathering, including the Vanuatu Women’s Centre, MoJCS, Vanuatu Police, Vanuatu Society for People with Disability (VSPD), MoET, Department of Strategic Policy, Planning and Aid Coordination (DSPPAC), Vanuatu Christian Council, and UNICEF.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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A prison sentence is not a child protection plan The Ministry argues that reports of criminal convictions reveal much less about what happens to the children themselves after abuse is discovered. “The cases reported in the newspapers tell us something about how Vanuatu’s criminal justice system responds to child sexual abuse. But they tell us much less about what happens to the children themselves,” MOJYCS says. Referring to the five-year-old girl whose father was sentenced for sexually assaulting her, the Ministry says the court’s decision explains the consequences for the perpetrator but does not establish what protection was put in place when the abuse came to light, whether other children were at risk or what support was available to help her recover. These questions, the Ministry says, are just as important as the criminal prosecution. The MOJYCS describes a situation in which a girl tells her teacher that someone at home has been sexually abusing her. She is frightened to return home, her mother may be financially dependent on the perpetrator, and younger children in the household may also be at risk. “The police can investigate the crime. But who assesses whether she is safe to go home that afternoon? Who helps her family find a safe way forward? Who ensures she receives medical care, counselling and ongoing support? And who follows up to make sure she remains safe?” the Ministry asks. “These questions cannot wait months or years for a criminal trial to conclude.” Vanuatu already has laws criminalising rape, incest and other sexual offences. Police, prosecutors and courts play an essential role in investigating crimes and holding perpetrators accountable. However, the MOJYCS says criminal investigations and child protection responses serve different purposes. “A criminal investigation asks whether an offence was committed and who is responsible. A child protection response must ask a different, equally urgent question: is this child safe, and what needs to happen now to protect them?” the Ministry says. “Protecting a child must begin when abuse comes to light, not when a perpetrator is convicted.” The Ministry says this is why the proposed Child Protection Bill matters. The Bill seeks to establish a stronger legal framework for protecting children at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation. It would establish clearer reporting responsibilities, strengthen the authority of child protection officers to assess and respond to abuse, and provide mechanisms for emergency protection, court orders and safe alternative care. The MOJYCS says these measures would establish clear responsibilities and provide the legal authority needed to intervene when a child is in danger. “A child who discloses sexual abuse needs more than a police investigation. That child needs to be safe tonight, tomorrow and in the months and years that follow,” the Ministry says. Parliament has an opportunity to act The MOJYCS recognises that families, chiefs, churches and communities all have important roles in protecting children. However, it says informal arrangements and goodwill are not always enough when abuse occurs within a family or community. Children need a system with clear legal responsibilities, trained professionals and the authority to intervene when their safety is at risk, the Ministry says. It also cautions that legislation alone will not end child sexual abuse. A strong Child Protection Bill must be backed by trained child protection officers, accessible services, effective referral pathways and sustained investment, including in rural and remote communities. Without these investments, the MOJYCS warns, the promise of stronger legal protection risks remaining just that — a promise. For children experiencing abuse, the Ministry says, the issues are not abstract questions about legislation or government responsibilities. They concern immediate safety, dignity, care and recovery. The MOJYCS says a child’s access to protection should not depend on where they live, whom they know or whether someone happens to be available to help when they disclose abuse. “To the MPs who will consider the Child Protection Bill this month: the children behind these headlines deserve more than our concern. They deserve action,” the Ministry says. “Vanuatu cannot undo the abuse these children have suffered. But it can decide what happens when the next child comes forward. “Pass a strong Child Protection Bill. Commit the resources needed to make it work. And ensure that when a read more…

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Save the Children Vanuatu launches reports on Child Protection and Exposure to Violence

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Save the Children Vanuatu launches reports on Child Protection and Exposure to Violence

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