Dear Editor,
Despite the fact that the Ministry of Social Protection has publicly committed to establishing partnerships with state and non-state actors to deal more effectively with the investigation, treatment, management and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases, many children still do not receive the services they need, and the rate of prosecution of these cases remains abysmally low. According to ministry figures, 628 cases of child sexual abuse were reported to the Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA) in 2014. Of those, less than 8% were prosecuted and even fewer resulted in convictions. The CPA has stated that the agency remains under-resourced. They are therefore forced to focus on responding to allegations of abuse, leaving a gap with respect to providing services to children who have been abused and non-offending family members.
If this government truly takes the protection of children seriously it must assess the approach taken by the Ministry of Social Protection in dealing with these issues. One important element of any action would be to consult with those organizations that have been working with children and families in Guyana. NGOs stand ready to continue to support the ministry in protecting children, but must be included in planning and decision-making with respect to the services they provide in partnership with the ministry. Additionally, the ministry must commit the resources necessary to support an effective child protection programme.
Yours faithfully,
Omattie Madray
ChildLink Inc
Chantalle Haynes
Forward Guyana Inc
