NGOs band together to protect children

A number of children's organisations have joined forces to set up a platform from which they will work together to promote the rights of the child.

The Platform for Children, officially set up yesterday, will bring together nine NGOs that will pool their resources and expertise to give children a stronger voice in society.

Its members will meet regularly to discuss issues concerning children and propose solutions that will be relayed to the authorities, Children's Commissioner Carmen Zammit said.

Issues range from children's access to justice, ensuring their voice is heard and safeguarding their rights at school, at home or in court.

Ms Zammit explained that the platform stemmed from the need to coordinate the work of various children NGOs.

The different organisations worked with children from different sectors such as sick or disabled children, those with behavioural problems, children in homes, immigrants and the unborn child.

Each organisation was aware of the needs of the children they represented. However, there was no coordination across different NGOs. At times there was duplication of efforts and resources and lack of awareness about initiatives being taken by different organisations, Nathan Farrugia, CEO of Inspire, said.

He said the platform would ensure that issues, such as children's rights, would be addressed in a more holistic manner.

The platform is intended to provide opportunities for networking among organisations to coordinate efforts in the best interest of children.

It will strive to place children's rights on the national agenda mainly by ensuring a holistic and child-centred approach within policy, practice and legislation.

"We are coming together to speak with one voice and that way give the children we represent a stronger voice... The total is more than the sum of the parts," he said.

The platform is made up of Inspire, the People for Change Foundation, Gift of Life, the Malta Unborn Child Movement, Kopin, Equal Partners Foundation, the Daniel Delicata Memorial Association, Ejjew Għandi, and Caritas Malta.

Any other NGOs can join by contacting the commission on 2148 5180 or e-mailing sharon.a.attard@gov.mt.

Some children's issues

• The growing trend of teen pregnancy and births outside marriage spurred Social Policy Minister John Dalli to suggest setting up a think-tank.

• Child abuse. This year police arraigned 44 people on child molestation charges, 38 of which involved sexual abuse, according to a parliamentary question.

• Malta lacks a law recognising the child as a victim, and not just as a witness, in cases of domestic violence, according to the Organisation for the Promotion of Human Rights.

• Right to a birth certificate. A Somali woman, who gave birth on a boat before reaching Malta, initiated a court case asking that her child's birth be registered by the public registry.

• Lack of services. Children with challenging behaviour are not being offered adequate therapy because of lack of professionals and child services.

• Children in court. A Gozitan man whose son was forced to live in the UK for two years following a cross-country custody battle criticised the authorities for not giving children a say in the matter.

• Rights of the unborn child. The Church's Theological Commission called for legislation to regulate biotechnology since at no stage should the human embryo be considered as a piece of biological material.

• Support needed. Appoġġ agency has called for more volunteers to man its various services, including Supportline 179, the national helpline for children, adults and families in need.