CARICOM continues to assess the gaps in realising child rights, says B’dos rep

Progress made globally in ending all forms of violence against children remained uneven, says Barbados representative to the United Nations (UN).

Speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Ambassador, Joseph Goddard said that the actions taken by States were characterised by uncoordinated policy interventions and dispersed and ill-forced legislation. He revealed that they were based on scarce data and research.

He also stressed that violence against children was a violation of their human rights, noting there is an absolute need for CARICOM to continue to assess the gaps in realising child rights, and to implement, monitor and evaluate programmes aimed at filling those gaps, in order to advance the promotion and fulfilment of child rights.

“Sexual violence against children is a particularly heinous violation of the rights of the child, causing irreparable psychological and physical damage. It is insidious, shrouded in silence and secrecy, often enabled by cultural norms which disregard the rights of children and allow perpetrators to enjoy high levels of impunity.  The vulnerability and young age of the victims create favourable conditions for predators, making it far more likely that the abuse remains undetected, or continues for some time before detection. Child sexual abuse is under-reported and sexual violence against boys, even more so.”

Turning to youth crime, Ambassador Goddard emphasised that children and youth had become increasingly involved in crime and violence as both victims and perpetrators, lamenting that youth crime and violence had reached alarming levels.

On health, Ambassador Goddard noted that CARICOM is tackling non-communicable diseases. However, due to shifting cultural consumption and recreation patterns, childhood obesity was on the increase, and must be addressed by underlining the importance of sport and physical activity.