Lukautim Pikinini Act 2015

Ms Solomon said the outcome of regional workshops has been positive with officers gaining confidence to perform their roles effectively.

‘They know what actions to take when children are in need of protection, they also know what steps to take, where to refer too, how they can also represent them in court if there is no lawyer, so they feel really empowered.

“And I’m very happy to announce that because all the guidelines and training manuals have been developed to guide them,” Secretary Solomon said.

This was the message from the Department for Community Development and Religion Secretary, Anna Solomon.

Speaking during an intensive child protection training in Kokopo, East New Britain, Solomon said: “My only advice is do not forget our children.

“They have the answer to how they want their future to be.”

She was speaking at a first-of-its-kind training in the New Guinea Islands, which hosted 29 child protection officers from the region.

In a small ceremony witnessed by child protection offices, partners, staff and the media, the department surprised Gore with the farewell function, a tribute video and a gift.

Department Secretary Anna Solomon highlighted the achievements during her term as Minister from 2013 to 2016.

Solomon said the Minister has done a lot in the area of children and has achieved a lot as she is hardworking, visionary, practical, straight forward and a listener.

The 38 protection officers graduated with certificates following the recent one week training based on the policy and how it should be implemented.

The National Child Protection Policy 2017-2027 specifically aims to see child protection system coordination and leadership at all levels of government is improved.

The protection officers that graduated came from the National Capital District, Central Province and Motu Koita.

“I congratulate the Government of PNG for passing and gazetting the Lukautim Pikinini Act, 2015 and we look forward to its implementation,”  Ismail said in a media statement.

UNICEF Country Representative, Ismail made these remarks during a reception at Airways Hotel, on Thursday, December 15, 2016, in honour of two visiting United Nations female officials.