Draft Remarks National Toshaos Council Meeting Saturday 28 August 2016 Arthur Chung Convention Centre
Thank you, Chairperson.
Hon. Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Mr Sydney Allicock,
Hon Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Ms Valerie Lowe,
Government officials,
Deputy Commissioner of the Rights of the Child Commission, Ms. Rosemary Benjamin-Noble,
Commissioners of the Rights of the Child Commission,
Indigenous Peoples Commission and other Commissions,
CEOof the Rights of the Child Commission, Mr Amar Panday,
Investigative Officer of the Rights of the Child Commission, MrAndre Gonzalez
Toshaos
I am extremely pleased and honoured to be a part of this meeting.
This meeting definitely comes at a critical moment for all of us, as only a few days ago, we launched the results of the survey which indicated that we still can, and must do more for our children. This survey- the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey- demonstrated the important disparities that still exist between the interior and coastal areas, as well as between rural and urban. It highlights the important role that you Toshaos and members of your Council would need to play to ensure that our indigenous children grow up in the best way possible.
And while we now have the MICS survey data, UNICEF Guyana recognizes that in order to understand why there are these inequities, we need to have more and deeper information. To begin to address this, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs and UNICEF will be conducting a Study on Indigenous Children and Women in Guyana. This study is key in ensuring an understanding of the lived experiences of indigenous women and children.
In January of this year, UNICEF organized with the Ministry of Business, a Conference on Extractive Businesses and Child Rights. As you know, most of these businesses are operating within your areas. We are very concerned about the stories we heard about trafficking cases and sexual abuse. About incest, and about parents bringing their young children into mining camps for prostitution reasons. But we all want our children to grow up into healthy adults and it is high time to address all these issues and make sure that our children are well protected.
Today’s meeting and my opportunity to greet you is also an important occasion to make a strong request to the NTC to give consideration to ensuring that discussions on the proposed revision of the Amerindian Act reflects all the issues that relate to children- especially ensuring that their best interests are taken into full consideration. Guyana has sufficient existing legislation protecting children but we strongly recommend that these are also firmly embedded in the Amerindian Act. This can also ensure that we have an institutionalised approach- through the NTC on addressing the rights of every child.
I want to make a specific case for indigenous languages. Our indigenous children have the right to be taught in their own language and UNICEF andthe Ministry of Education are working together to find best strategies and the necessary resources in the preparation for the introduction of the indigenous language as the language of instruction in nursery through to Grade 2.
In the area of protection-Toshaos, you are well placed to ensure that every child has a birth certificate and to ensure that every child is free from violence, abuse and neglect or any form of sexual exploitation. All children must be allowed to reach their full potential and Toshaos can play a great role by speaking up for the protection of children and to take action when violation of children occurs.
Some time ago I spent a few hours with children staying in dormitory schools. The one thing that I remember most was how they said they miss their families. It shows how vulnerable they are and how important that protective family environment is.
Children below 18 are not adults yet. And they need us. Teenagers should not get pregnant but they should continue going to school and find decent jobs and not in gold mining. Toshaos – you can play a key role and be champions for our children.
Before I close, I would like to urge you to take full advantage of today’s session as we discuss not only key aspects of children’s rights but also the investigation and complaints mechanism of the Rights of the Child Commission, and the support the Commission can provide. The information presented here can provide good ground for you to discuss in your village councils how to support the Rights of the Child Commission in their work- by bringing the successes and challenges on all matters that children’s face within your community.
Toshaos, you have the power and the mandate to unite for all children. We can all play a role in protecting our children and in ensuring that children’s rights are always on our agenda. Each community can act.
We wish you success. Thank you.