Save the Children launches report of child protection systems

With child protection a growing concern in Papua New Guinea, non-government organisation Save the Children (SCiPNG) launched a report on child protection systems on Wednesday in Port Moresby.

The report titled ‘The Child Protection Systems in PNG’, is an assessment of prevention and response services for children and families.

A child protection systems mapping was carried out by Child Frontiers for a period of three months in NCD, Bougainville, Lae, Goroka and East Sepik.

Researchers spoke to child protection officers, the children, parents and community leaders to collect a wide range of data.

The research found that children are experiencing high rates of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

SCiPNG country director Jennifer El-sibai said during the launch that undertaking the research was important because the protection of children is a complex issue.

El-sibai said addressing the widespread and endemic violence against children in PNG will require greater investment in identifying and addressing the underlying violence against children.

She said greater investment is also required in strengthening traditional community practices that are protective of children and reduce the factors that leave children and families vulnerable.

The report has 13 recommendations that will help to strengthen child protection systems in PNG.

The recommendations include more strategic approach to prevention, focus on child and protection services, strengthen formal response services starting in urban areas, develop family based out of home care and introduce a more cultural appropriate approach to care planning and decision making.

Department of Community Development Youth and Religion secretary, Anna Solomon, who attended the launch, thanked those involved in the research report.

Solomon said government delivery services in communities also depend on partners and the report will help to strategically roll out government programs and policies, including the Lukautim Pikinini Act 2015. 

She added that Minister Delilah Gore is looking forward to presenting the report to cabinet for consideration.

Author: 
Quintina Naime