Papua New Guinea (PNG) 20 Days of Human Rights Activism was launched by the Department for Community Development in Partnership with Morobe Provincial Administration, development partners in UN Women, UNICEF and the National Office of Child and Family Services at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae, Morobe Province.
This is an event that focusses on addressing all forms of violence against women, girls and children.
The launching drew together a diverse group of participants, including government officials, development partners, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), church representatives, student and local stakeholders.
Presentations and speeches including heartfelt poems by school children were the main features during the launching, which coincided with the recent celebrations of International Children’s Day.
Morobe Deputy Provincial Administrator for Social Services Mr. Robin Bazzinuc expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the National Government and development partners in hosting the event in partnership with the Provincial Administration.
He extended an official welcome to dignitaries, invited guests, and participants, culminating in the official launch of the 20 Days of Human Rights Activism.
The UNICEF Country Director Dr. Claudes Kamenga was also in attendance at the launching. He represented the development partners and acknowledged the government’s commitment, pledging ongoing support for its initiatives. He emphasized the significance of children’s right enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Agenda, echoing that no child be left behind.
The Director of Family PNG, Danga Ilava, spoke on behalf of Civil Society Organizations, shedding light on the challenges and concerns faced by children in the region.
The Minister for Youth, Religion and Community Development, Jason Peter, concluded the launching of the event by acknowledging the concerns and challenges raised and highlighted the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Children as the way forward.
The closing of the event saw the signing of the Stakeholders’ Recommitment to the Convention on the Rights of Children, solidifying the collective commitment between the government, development partners, and NGOs to uphold and safeguard the rights of children in PNG.