100s of Children Victimized as Ombudsperson Reveals Protection Gaps

Three hundred and thirty-three children were victims of abuse, mistreatment, and bullying in the space of a year, according to a stark new report from the Ombudsperson for Children.The alarming figure, which represents cases recorded by the Bureau de l’Ombudsperson for Children, was made public with the release of its annual report on Tuesday, October 7.

Call for Urgent Reforms

The Ombudsperson, Aneeta Ghoorah, highlighted several significant failings in the system designed to safeguard minors. She specifically deplored several gaps in the current protective measures, particularly for children with disabilities aged between three and five, who are currently not covered by existing legal provisions.

Legislative and Institutional Concerns

Further issues were identified within the nation’s legal framework, with flaws being raised in the Children’s Act, which was adopted as recently as 2022.

The report also addressed the well-being of children from LGBT parents and included criticisms against the Child Development Unit (CDU).

Concluding the report, Ms. Ghoorah issued a direct warning to authorities, stating, “The recommendations formulated in this report must not remain at the bottom of a drawer.”

Source: Defi Media