All organisations that work with children must have policies, practices and procedures in place to ensure that children they come into contact with are safeguarded from harm, permanent secretary for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Jennifer Poole said during the second consultation of the National Child Safeguarding Policy held in Suva yesterday.
She said Government was committed to keeping children safe from all violence, abuse and exploitation.
“The consultation for this policy is vital in leaving no stone unturned, especially when the safety of Fijian children is on the line,” she said.
“The outcome of today’s discussion will contribute to the finalization of the policy and I hope we will all be encouraged and empowered on the significance of child safeguarding and be reminded that it is our responsibility to protect our future leaders.”
She added as part of the work plan for the policy, representatives from the government ministries, civil society organisations and private sector stakeholders were present and also participated during the day-long consultation.
“Every Fijian child deserves to grow up nurtured with the provision of safe and effective care.”
The policy will outline a number of concrete actions that will be taken to safeguard children in the delivery of services in a ‘child-safe’ and ‘child-friendly’ manner.
The last consultation for the policy will be held in May.
