By Michel Outridge

THE rights of children, the role of the police and their responsibilities in protecting children from abuse and neglect were highlighted Wednesday when the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Rights of the Child Commission (ROC) partnered to host a Human Rights and Leadership Workshop for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) at Herdmanston Lodge, Georgetown.UNICEF Deputy Resident Representative, Paolo Marchi said children are victims of abuse and neglect and the session is to engage members of the GPF to protect such children since it’s their obligation.

LAW ENFORCEMENT INPUT
He pointed out that a UNICEF study showed that 70% of children are neglected and abused and law enforcement input is needed in preventing, identifying and protecting children.

Marchi stated that the workshop focused on a broader understanding of the practical and legal human rights as it relates to children since the GPF has a very critical role to play.

He is of the view that the engagement will boost capacity-building in strengthening children’s protection while incorporating the fundamental mechanisms of ROC.

Marchi related that the training dialogue was necessary to improve the way the police work with children, noting that they need to ensure children’s rights are better served.

In remarks, Force Training Officer, Paul Williams lauded the agencies for hosting the training session since the Force sees training as never enough to cope with the everyday changes.

He noted that members of the GPF are adequately trained because at every level they have training programmes for all ranks in capacity-building.

Williams told the gathering that the GPF has a Standing Order, which deals with juveniles so the Juvenile Offenders Act is in place so in cases where minors come into contact with the law they are placed separately from adult prisoners.

He spoke about the work of the Cops and Faith Network, where its members are present when juveniles are being interviewed by the police and they lookout for homeless and destitute children and render assistance.

As it relates to custody of children, Williams said they enforce the court orders and they will sustain their relationship with agencies and the ministry in this aspect. He said also that they have adopted best practices when dealing with children as a law enforcement body and police trainers are present for the training session, who in turn will train other ranks.

ROC Consultant, Queenla Abigail Cameron in addressing the participants on Wednesday, said it is important that the police apply human rights standards in their duties as she outlined the role of the police to protect children. She said that too often the fundamental rights of children are violated at their homes and at the courts.

However, Cameron called for the ROC Convention to be applied forthwith because the best interest of children must come first. In plugging her point, Cameron said children should not be compelled to give evidence in court and at no time should be tortured by the police. She also highlighted the plight of disabled children and urged the police to adopt the policies of ROC.

Also making remarks was Chairperson of ROC, Aleema Nasir, who told the participants that they must continuingly seek to engage stakeholders since children need to be protected and their interest must be maintained. She outlined ROC policies and noted that the arrangement with Legal Aid is limited and needs to be revised.

PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE
Nasir called on the authorities to establish a Public Defender’s Office for children, who await lengthy trials without any legal representation and often they are proven guilty even before the end of the trial.