'Guardians for Children' office opened in Amparai General Hospital

[TamilNet, Friday, 01 October 2004, 19:44 GMT]
The Ampara District Child Protection Committee (DCPC) Friday opened its office ’Guardians for Children’ located in the Pediatric Ward at the Ampara General Hospital to mark the International Children's Day.

Mr. Nimalan Selvarajah, Mr. Patrick Campbell of Unicef and Dr. Prabath, JMO and children in front of the newly opened Guardian for Children in Amparai General Hospital.

The Government Agent and Chairman of the DCPC, Mr. Abeyaweera declared open the office by cutting the ribbon.

Dr. Prabath, Judicial Medical Officer during his address said that such a committee has been needed for a long time and stressed the importance to improve coordination among all sectors to provide better protection and greater awareness on childrights. The DCPC would seek to place the child at the centre of the process, whilst working to bring communities together to care for their children and protect them from abuse.

UNICEF Head of Batticaloa office, Ms Andrea James addressing the gathering said the Child Protection Unit at the hospital will be a safe and friendly location where children and families may report violations and be interviewed in a positive and supportive environment. Here, they will be able to ask questions during the legal, medical and recovery processes, Ms.James said.

UNICEF supported the establishment of the office, including the purchase of a computer, photocopier machine and other office equipment. UNICEF is also supporting the DCPC to build safer, child friendly communities through the implementation of awareness and training programmes on child rights and the prevention of child abuse, UNICEF press release said.

Through its activities, the DCPC will serve as an active reminder that Child protection is every body responsibility and encourage both adults and children to create an environment at home, in schools and in the Community where children are protected and given the best chances to develop to their full potential, the press release added.