Steps to be taken to prevent media exposing child victims
Chair of the Parliamentary Caucus for Children MP Rohini Kumari Wijerathna has said many social problems arise due to the exposure of child victims and the child suspects by the media and therefore immediate measures should be taken to end the practice.
This was mentioned at the Parliamentary Caucus for Children which convened in Parliament recently, the Communications Department of Parliament said yesterday.
The Ministry of Women, Child Affairs and Social Empowerment and its affiliates, such as the Department of Probation and Child Care Services, the National Child Protection Authority and the Ministry of Mass Media and the institutions operating under it and the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, Independent Television Network Ltd, Lake House and Government Information Department, were also called before the Caucus.
It was pointed out by the MPs that the exposure of the identities of children by the media, especially in cases of child molestation and child abuse, had a great impact on the victims.
The Caucus membership agreed that all media organisations should be called for the next meeting to discuss this further.
Apart from the said, there was a long discussion about the measures that can be taken to improve the condition of children in orphanages in Sri Lanka, the statement said.
There was a long discussion about the measures to be taken for safety and proper supervision of children’s homes including maintenance of relevant institutions even according to minimum standards, correcting shortage of child care staff, inadequate hygiene in these places, provision of adequate psychosocial treatment to children, socialization process of children in orphanages when they reach the age of 18 etc.
The officials pointed out that the Geneva Committee on Children’s Rights has given recommendations regarding orphanages in Sri Lanka and there are many issues such as shortage of trained staff, allocation of adequate provision for the Department of Child Care Services etc.
The importance of providing vocational training to children in orphanages was discussed at length, and the need for a suitable program to socialize children over 18 years of age and the importance of creating an environment for them to engage in self-employment was also emphasized.
In addition to that, introducing a foster parent system, placing children in the care of relatives, local adoptions, etc. were also discussed in the forum as alternative care proposals for children.
Furthermore, attention was paid to matters such as referring child suspects to the conciliation board for minor offenses, subjecting them to other alternative punishments, and using institutional reform as the last option.
Sajith Premadasa, Leader of the Opposition, State Minister Diana Gamage, Members of Parliament Eran Wickramaratne, Mayantha Dissanayake, and Secretary to the Caucus and Secretary General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, were present at the Committee meeting held.
