MINISTRY of Labour, Human Services & Social Security has set the week of the 19th September, 2010, to mark Child Protection Week in Guyana. Child Protection Week is observed in over 120 countries around the world.  It was first observed in Guyana in 2004. It is a week to raise the level of awareness to the issues of child abuse, promote the value of children and to encourage individuals and local groups to take action to prevent child abuse. The focus this year is on parenting.

Child abuse reports continue to increase and the home is where the hurt is the most. A space that should offer a child, protection, affection, developmental stimulation, shelter and promotion for their rights is where children suffer the worst forms of violence, degrading and cruel treatment that maim and disfigure them and even result in their death. According to international reports, children are beaten up daily in worse ways as a form of punishment for wrong doing and hourly children are being sexually violated, grossly neglected, rejected and abandoned by their parents;  abandoned being used in the wider sense of not being loved, wanted and accepted by the parent.  The home has proven to be the most dangerous place for a child.

An examination of the data collected by the Child Care & Protection Agency for the first half of the year revealed that 1584 children were abused with mothers and fathers being the main perpetrators. One hundred and one children were separated from their parents and placed in institutions. There are now over 700 children in institutions; institutional placement being the best option at the time for the children; but a child has a right to a family and to be brought up free from harm and abuse.

During Child Protection Week 2010, activities will be centered on change in the way children are viewed, treated and cared.  The desire is for children to be safe in their homes, receiving the care and attention that promote their well-being and for them to realize their highest potential. Child Protection Week commences on September 19 and concludes on September 25.