Gov’t launches Global Partnership to end violence against children
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Prime Minister Andrew Holness has issued a directive to end violence by state agencies as the government launched its Global Partnership to end violence against children today.
Holness said the move is part of a strategic and comprehensive programme to address violence in Jamaica.
“Government has to start with the institutions over which it has leverage and control. Government should not endorse or use violence as a normalised tool of control over its citizens. This is a policy direction that I have given. Our police force must never be seen as a purveyor of violence against its citizens,” said Holness.
In the meantime, the government of Jamaica signalled its intention to keep national and international commitments to protect children. Holness said the Government is committed to promoting and protecting the rights of children and is in full support of the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children Initiative.
The partnership brings together governments, foundations, the UN, civil society, academia, the private sector and young people in driving action toward achieving the new global target to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence and torture against children.
A group of pathfinder countries, of which Jamaica is part of, will make a central contribution to the Partnership, based on their wish to be leaders in ending violence against children and delivering SDG16.2 and related targets.
“As a pathfinder country, Jamaica is committed to providing comprehensive, coordinated and multi-sectoral services for preventing and responding to violence. We are prepared to strengthen legislation to protect children from all forms of violence and exploitation by bringing all sectors together in a movement to end violence and provide children with a meaningful role at the heart of that movement,” Holness said, adding that it is through this partnership, that there is an opportunity to take the lead in making a difference and that they owe it to their beloved children to do so.”
