Shockingly unacceptable

The reports coming out from social welfare agencies are nothing short of shocking news and what appears to be more shocking is the government's indifference to serious issues dealing with the protection of children. In the space of a few days, we are told that there is an increase in the number children born to addicted mothers and who have to undergo detoxification upon birth. We are also told that the hotline that was used by Aġenzija Appoġġ to report child pornography has been discontinued for lack of funds and, now, we are further informed that the abuse of drugs and alcohol among Maltese young people is increasing.

The obvious question that Maltese parents are asking is: What is the government's response to all this?

Maltese parents expect their government to show at least concern and then provide a degree of response and lead the way towards addressing these situations that affect children and young people in Malta. This is not happening and the government needs to explain why.

Meanwhile, I would like to make the following questions to the government:

What action is it taking to secure a better future through adoption for the offspring of parents whose drug problem renders them inadequate to rear children?

Why is Malta still lacking a rehabilitation programme for women who commit themselves to therapy but have no one to care for their children while in rehab?

What is the government doing to launch the hotline against child pornography and put the minds of parents at rest that the respective authorities are following through on reports of child pornographic sites?

What programmes are in place to educate our children against the dangers of the internet?

What programmes against the dangers of addiction are in place for school children and, in particular, for those students in the senior classes of secondary schools and those in post secondary education?

The truth is that the government does not have a clear child policy and this is a shame. It is not enough to have a Commissioner for Children and give the impression that all is fine simply because the government set up a statutory post that is meant to defend the rights of children. Parents expect the government to be effective, lead, protect children and address the issues.

Parents expect the government to have a policy on children and to state clearly how and what measures it will take to: 1) protect children and young people and 2) bring about an enabling environment whereby children will enjoy a decent living standard and develop their personality, talents and capabilities. The Labour Party (PL) is committed to eradicate child poverty and, irrespective of a child's socio-economic condition, shall have his or her rights protected allowing the child to grow up to become a fulfilled citizen. For the PL, a children's policy is a priority. We said it during the last electoral campaign and we shall commit ourselves again to it.

My commitment as a member of the European Parliament will be to defend the rights of children and to protect them from ruthless people who prey on children and young people either for reasons of child pornography, drug and alcohol abuse or gambling. Therefore, I shall ensure that the hotline against child pornography is operating effectively, that there is a review of the school programmes against addictions and that rehab programmes do not discriminate against women who are unable to follow therapy simply because they have to care for their children.

Ms Abela Baldacchino will be contesting the European Parliament elections on the Labour Party list.

info@claudetteabelabaldacchino.eu