Absence of sex offenders register concerns Children's Commissioner

The lack of a sex offenders’ register is one of the concerns listed in the annual report of the Children’s Commissioner, presented to President George Abela at San Anton Palace this morning.

Commissioner Carmen Zammit noted that although the Home Affairs Ministry had proposed legislation to the Attorney General, her office had not been consulted.

Asked whether she had discussed the issue of paedophile priests and child sex abuse claims with the church, Ms Zammit said she had not yet had time to do so, however, the issue preoccupied her, more so because priests were people who children were supposed to trust.

In her report, Ms Zammit calls for a single encompassing Children’s Act. President George Abela supported the call and said that what there was at this stage was piecemeal legislation.

The different laws concerning children, he said, should be consolidated into a single point of reference.

Other concerns mentioned in the report include court delays, especially in separation cases where children are involved, and children in residential care.

Ms Zammit said research showed it was better for children who were younger than five to be with foster families than in institutional care. She called on the legislators to do something about this issue.

Another concern was that when a minor was involved in a crime with an adult, the minor was tried in normal court.

Dr Abela agreed this situation had to be changed and minors be tried in the Juvenile Court.

In sports there was little support for children with disabilities and those coming from socially deprived backgrounds, the report noted.

Ms Zammit’s three-year term has expired but the law provides for her to remain in office until her successor is appointed. Dr Abela said the time could be ripe for legislators to consider extending the commissioner’s term to five years.