“CHILD ABUSE & ECONOMIC EXPLOITATION REAL OCCURRENCE”: PM

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has described child abuse and economic exploitation of children as “a real occurrence in Solomon Islands” and says urgent action is needed to prevent children from being subjected to these conditions.

He made the statement today when the Special  Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence against Children made a courtesy visit to him this afternoon.

Prime Minister Sogavare welcomed Martha Santos Pais, saying her work to address the plight of children throughout  the world is important.

The Prime Minister told Ms Pais, child abuse and economic exploitation of children are a real occurrence in Solomon Islands and there is a need for urgent action to prevent children from being subjected to those conditions.

He also assured her that his government is committed to working with relevant UN agencies and other international organisations to minimise ramifications violence against children may have on Solomon Islands society.

He said this includes enacting necessary additional legislation to protect the rights of children and prevent incidents of violence against children.

Meanwhile, the Special  Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence against Children Marta Santos Pais has praised the Solomon Islands Government for its commitment towards eliminating violence against children in Solomon Islands.

Ms Pais praised the Government’s progress with the Child and Family Welfare Bill, saying she is pleased to learn that there is a renewed commitment towards the Child and Family Welfare Bill this year.

She says it is key that the child and Family Welfare Bill is enacted and implemented, and the Family Protection Act effectively enforced.