UNICEF delegation meets prime minister
A delegation from UNICEF, accompanied by the United Nations Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral on Violence Ag ainst Children (VAC), Najat Maalla M’jid, met with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament premises, the PM’s media division said. The discussion focused on strengthening cooperation and engagement with Sri Lanka on ensuring the protection and wellbeing of children, and efforts to prevent and respond to all forms of violence against children.
The PM acknowledged UNICEF’s continued support to Sri Lanka, particularly during the response to Cyclone Ditwah, as well as its longstanding contributions to reforms in education and early childhood education and initiatives aimed at preventing and addressing violence against children.
She noted that while Sri Lanka has made significant progress in developing policies, the challenge lies in ensuring their effective implementation. She emphasised the need to address gaps in institutional capacity and human resources, while strengthening coordination among the various parts responsible for child protection while highlighting the critical role of frontline workers in the delivery of child protection services.
Representatives of UNICEF emphasised the importance of bringing together all relevant stakeholders to address gaps in child protection procedures and referral pathways. Particular attention was given to ensuring that children have clear and accessible mechanisms through which they can report abuse and seek assistance.
Dr M’jid highlighted the importance of strengthening the competencies of frontline professionals on psychosocial support, early detection, defining direct signs, techniques of effective listening, and safeguarding privacy. The discussions also underscored the growing importance of protecting children from online violence and abuse, and the need to strengthen measures to ensure children’s safety in digital environments.
The meeting was attended by Emma Brigham, UNICEF Representative; Marc-André Franche, UN Resident Coordinator; officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and additional secretaries and officials from the Ministry of Education.
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