The Moresby Arts Theatre today (Saturday, 7th, June) held a panel discussion to discuss child welfare, especially in regard to creating safe spaces for children. This panel discussion also marked International Innocent Children Victims of Aggression Day. Panelists included Izabell Druma, Advocacy & Communications Manager and Safeguarding Lead, Save the Children PNG, Bronwyn Kili Media & Human Rights Advocate and Marc Titus Cebreros Human Rights Advisor, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights – PNG. Bronwyn KIli, emphasized the importance of returning to basics – ensuring that children have access to education, healthcare and protection from violence. “Any kind of environment that protects these basic rights for children and for human beings is a safe space because these are the environments or the spaces where they can thrive and grow.” “It sounds good in theory, but we don’t need overcomplicated answers – we need action.” Marc Titus Cebreros, shared alarming statistics, noting that the ratio of child protection officer to children is 1:20, 000 in theory, but likely worse due to vacant positions. “Not all of those child protection officers are in place, because many are still under recruitment or there are many positions that are still not funded.” He added that in spite of PNG having multiple child protection policies, the lack of funding leaves child protection services ineffective. “We have at least 25 national-level child protection policies, yet children are still begging on the streets, victims of abuse, and at risk of early marriage and sorcery-related violence.” “Where is the earnest effort to implement the laws and programs, and how do we as a society hold our leaders accountable to those responsibilities that they have assumed when they entered into office?” Save the Children’s, Izabell Druma added that a lack of education and awareness particularly in rural areas worsens the issue. “Children are at the bottom of the social hierarchy.” “We need to educate not just the children, but also their families, communities and the government.” The discussion also focused on children’s online safety in the digital age. With social media being a space in which children can easily get exposed to harmful content, online grooming, and cyberbullying, panelists urged stronger parental education and digital safety policies. The event closed with a strong call to accountability and a challenge to our leaders to commit to implementing measurable outcomes in child protection. Helpline Reminder: If you or someone you know needs help, contact the Child Helpline at 715-8000.