Ensure child victims’, child witnesses’ responses are effective- Law College Principal
View(s):Effective responses must be ensured for child victims and child witnesses by all those involved in the criminal justice system, starting with the scene of the crime and continuing through prosecution, said Sri Lanka Law College Principal Indira Samarasinghe P.C.
Ms Samarasinghe made the remarks delivering the 29th Susan George Pulimood Memorial Oration on ‘Child Rights in Sri Lanka- The gap between Theory and Practice’, held at Visakha Vidyalaya’s Geremias Dias Hall on July 23.
Excerpts of the Oration:
“A positive environment, without child abuse or exploitation, should be created in homes, communities, schools and childcare institutions. This will require public and parent education, advocacy and the training of teachers and care givers. This must be accompanied by the development of child-friendly and child-sensitive procedures for investigating cases of child abuse, which avoid child victims being subjected to various interviews and investigations.”
“We need to constantly review Laws in the light of changing circumstances. We need to grow in the knowledge of how to provide services and how to protect children. Many countries have a comprehensive Children’s Act. That is something Sri Lanka does not have. All the Laws could be brought under one Act.”
“We have to work at least in a small way to promote and protect the rights of children, because they are the future leaders and the lifeblood of our society. We should all be alert and speak out, and do whatever we can to prevent violence against children, and prevent all forms of child abuse.”
“Children need to have outdoor playtime, they need to listen to stories, to paint, draw and make music and dance. The Guardian newspaper reported recently, that a Secondary School Teacher complained that the Year 7 intake no longer knew how to tell a story. Miss Gaby Hinsliff (Journalist) said that our children were being turned into Grammar Robots. She said writing stories is craft that is crucial for life. And, if the Government insists, you can test it, measure it and use it in Commerce too!’ She suggests.”
“It is necessary to give priority to the ideas of children, in matters that affect them, provide opportunities for the freedom of expression and to access relevant information. Child participation needs greater priority. Access to leisure, play and recreation is a child’s right. Most of the parents give priority for studies only and concentrate on academic/professional qualifications.”