REPRESENTATIVES of political parties contesting the November 28 general and regional elections were yesterday afforded an opportunity by the Rights of the Child Commission (RCC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to explain their positions in connection with the rights of children in Guyana.
The event was organized against the backdrop of the upcoming general and regional elections, under the theme, “Guyana’s commitment: Making Children Visible.”
The party representatives signed the declaration at the Umana Yana, in Kingston, Georgetown.
According to the declaration, all children have the right to survival and development, protection and participation as enshrined in the Convention of the RCC and the Guyana Constitution.
Each candidate pledged, at all times, be it in or out of government, to ensure the strong progressive realisation of the rights of all children in Guyana.
This includes, inter alia, upholding the best interest of the child’s principles through action; ensuring that children are prioritised in the national development agenda with a special focus on ensuring equity for all children in all spheres of development; supporting and catalyzing efforts that are child-sensitive; and budgeting for children.
The representatives were each allotted 15 minutes on the podium, and Khemraj Ramjattan, on behalf of the Alliance for Change (AFC),  said it was a wonderful and unique occasion for the parties to make known what they had to offer young people and children.
Ramjattan spoke against children being trafficked and abused, observing that a process of education at the curriculum level must be started so that Guyanese children can appreciate the country’s diversity.
He said AFC would like to see the abolition of chastisement in schools and that the country’s education policy must see young people, not as vessels to be filled, but lamps to be lit.
The AFC is promising to ensure free lunches in certain depressed areas.
Ms Cheryl Sampson, for ‘A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), disclosed that, to her party, children are the  country’s greatest human resource.
She offered that both the rights of women and children will be upheld by APNU, a party that is committed to working for a healthy family life that is conducive to nurturing and developing children.
APNU has promised more jobs so that income could be increased for parents, and so that home ownership could be made more affordable. Free school meals and free transportation to school are also among the promises made by the party.
Speaking next was Prime Ministerial candidate for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Samuel Hinds, who noted that his party was happy to be signing the declaration.
Hinds said the PPP/C has made no secret of the fact that children enjoy the ‘pride of place’ on the party’s agenda and on the national agenda.
This, he said, is evidenced by the “very many” tangible actions taken by the party while in office, including the passing of legislation addressing the needs of children.
Hinds mentioned the Adoption of Children Act, the Protection of Children Act, the Childcare and Development Services Act, the Custody Contact, Guardianship and Maintenance Act and the Status of Children Act.
Beyond the party’s legislation programme, he said the PPP/C has also worked on the establishment of the Childcare and Protection Agency and the commencement of the National Foster Care Programme. Hinds also made reference to the establishment of the child protection hotline and the initiation of the children’s legal aid programme, among many others.
Representative of The United Force (TUF), Roy Van Tholl, said that the party will do everything in its power to further the cause of children.
He offered that the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Persaud understands the plight of children and that the TUF has always placed great emphasis on the family.
UNICEF Representative, Guyana and Suriname, Dr Suleiman Braimoh, who was at the ceremony, said a key point is the involvement of political will.

“Since I have been in Guyana as representative of UNICEF, this is the first time I have seen such strong demonstration of political will that will take the agenda for children and women in Guyana further,” he stated.
Braimoh said this is not just a pre-election commitment, but is one that should be ongoing. “This is not something that will end today. Rather, today is the beginning of a journey…the beginning of a continuous demonstration that your party…has committed to improving the rights of women and children at all times.”
Also giving brief remarks was Chairperson for the RCC, Ms Aleema Nasir, who reminded that the commission promotes the initiatives that enhance the well-being and rights of children.
It also promotes respect for the views of the children, ensuring that their interests are taken into account at the level of government and other bodies.