Absence of sex offenders register concerns Children's Commissioner
Video: Paul Spiteri Lucas
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.
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Paul Konti
Apr 9th 2010, 09:17
The idea of a sex offenders' register is not that simple to implement. Let us not make the common mistake of looking at other countries to copy their way of doing things. We are an independent nation and clever enough to do things our way.
One aspect that I think is not being considered is the harm done to a person convicted of a sex offence and, after doing porridge, it is discovered that he was innocent. How can we save this person from having to suffer further embarrassment and punishment? Admittedly this is the exceptional case but it deserves to be considered.
With regards to the priest, he is probably tempted to sin more than other mortals. The devil tempts a 'good guy' but does not need to bother with a 'bad guy' since he is already 'in the bag.' However, I am not suggesting that priests be treated differently. This is just food for the thought.
Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Apr 8th 2010, 22:55
@John Falzon. The answer appears to be "no" because it appears criminal matters involving priests and religious are diverted from the civil courts to response teams that are run by the Church. So much for the Government's and church's commitment to the welfare of children. More waffle from conservative institutions.
John Falzon
Apr 8th 2010, 20:45
Can priests who abuse children also be placed on this register please ? Thanks.
p.mallia
Apr 8th 2010, 14:45
Ms. Carmen Zammit is very loyal to her job and has been so since I needed her when I contacted her over twenty five years ago. Today she is where she is because she works hard and takes maximum interest in what she does. She should be given a better chance at consolidating her optimum work through more extension, even more than 5 years, if she is in agreement of course. I cannot imagine anyone else doing her job like she does. Prosit to her and please Carmen keep it up. I commend her for the future.