We are pleased to present this National Child Protection Policy to the people of Vanuatu. This Policy has been developed as part of the Government’s commitment to protect children from all forms of abuse, exploitation, neglect and violence, whilst also strengthening our child protection system, and to ensure we uphold our commitment under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Our children must be able to grow up in loving and caring environments. They must have time to be children with all the wonder, happiness and innocence that childhood should bring. Children’s rights are intrinsic and universal and their dignity must be protected always.
Over recent years the reported levels of child abuse and violence in Vanuatu have increased. It is an issue of national concern and the Government has taken a stand to develop this Policy to set the strategic direction for protecting our children and also strengthening our child protection system within Vanuatu. Effective coordination and collaboration of all child protection actors and the strengthening of child protection system is critical. In developing this Policy, we have taken the approach to work closely with all stakeholders and identify strategic areas that need to be strengthened to ensure we create an environment where children of, or living in Vanuatu, are safe and protected.
Protecting children is everyone’s responsibility. Parents, communities, government and NGOs all have a role to play. Special attention must be given to marginalized groups such as children with disability, who face a higher risk of abuse than their able peers. Implementing this policy will not be easy, and will require significant resources in an environment where government has many competing priorities. However, we can act quickly through prioritizing some on-going work programs, such as awareness raising in communities, refocusing the work of the National Child Protection Working Group, enhancing cooperation with existing partners such as UNICEF and Save the Children, and learn from current child protection pilot programs, to start the process.
Through a comprehensive implementation plan, we must build momentum to make sure that this policy is implemented fully over the medium to longer term. Let us work together for the betterment of our children and their children’s children. We wish to thank all who have contributed to the development of this Policy, and dedicate it to the children of Vanuatu.