By MIRIAM MALAWA
ABOUT 75 per cent of children have reported being victim of physical or psychological violence and close to 80 per cent of fathers have admitted belting their children.
This was pointed out by the outgoing United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Country Representative, Dr Claudes Kamenga at the meeting with the Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko recently.
He commended the government for its progress but stressed the need for more significant action to safeguard children’s rights.
“While the situation has improved, the situation of children in this country remains alarming,” Dr Kamenga said.
“It calls for more intensified effort by the government and its development partners.
“The best for the children of this country is still yet to come and the government must lead and mobilise all its partners to ensure that the right of every child in this country is fulfilled.”
Dr Kamenga expressed profound gratitude for excellent collaboration between the government and UNICEF.
“I express my profound gratitude for excellent collaboration between the government of PNG, UNICEF, and for all the support I received during my tenure here.
“The government has been very supportive in facilitating the goods that we import to support the government.
“Please convey to the Prime Minister my utmost gratitude for his leadership and his support to the work that we have done and continued to do.”
Dr Kamenga further acknowledged the departments of National Planning and Monitoring, Community Development, Religion and Youth, Health, Education and Justice and Attorney General for their input in this course.
Meanwhile, he added that although malnutrition is a serious concern, the government’s efforts with support from its partners have scaled up nutrition services.
Kamenga said certain areas merit special attention including violence against children, malnutrition, cold chain facilities for vaccination and report on the convention on the rights of a child.
He joined the UN in PNG in 2021 and assumed overall responsibility for UNICEFs activities and led a country programme aimed at addressing inequality and ensuring that children’s rights are fulfilled.
Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko said the government of Papua New Guinea will continue its support the UNICEF as the leading partner addressing children’s issues in the country.
“Thank you Mr Kamenga, your work in the country is commendable and I appreciate what you have done,” he said.
“You have helped our children in a massive way coordinating with our departments and various agencies.
“It’s not easy working in a country like PNG, things take a bit longer and more time to do.
“Your time here is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to receiving your predecessor.”
