The government has appointed its first cohort of Child Rights Ambassadors, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to ensure children have a stronger voice in decisions affecting their lives.
The initiative, launched during the inaugural National Child Rights Symposium, provides children with a direct platform to raise concerns and contribute to discussions on issues affecting their safety, well-being and development.
The programme is being implemented by the Department of Equity, Social Justice, Gender and Older Persons in collaboration with UNICEF and supports Saint Lucia’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which affirms children’s right to express their views and have those views considered in matters that affect them.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Equity, Dr Charmaine Hippolyte-Emmanuel, underscored the importance of safeguarding children as the country’s future.
“If we do not protect our children, we call the future. Do you think or do you foresee us having a future? Not at all,” she said. “Therefore, we are committed to that kind of protection for you.”
Dr Hippolyte-Emmanuel also stressed that children must be active participants in conversations about policies and programmes designed for their benefit.
“As we convene, I encourage every child and young person to be a part of this conversation,” she said. “It makes absolutely no sense to speak about you, and you are not a part of the conversation.”
UNICEF Partnership Officer Joan Tull highlighted one of the programme’s creative elements, encouraging young ambassadors to use photography as a tool for advocacy and social change.
“Photography is a powerful way to stand up for your rights,” Tull said.
“By capturing images of your school, your community, your friendships or issues that affect children and young people, you can help raise awareness and encourage positive change.”
She explained that photographs can document both successes and challenges within communities.
“Your photos can highlight things that are working well and draw attention to areas where improvements are needed, helping to ensure that your voices are heard and your experiences are valued,” Tull said.
Officials say the Child Rights Ambassador Programme represents an important step towards ensuring that children’s perspectives are consistently reflected in national policies, child protection services and community development initiatives.
By creating formal opportunities for young people to participate in dialogue and advocacy, the initiative aims to strengthen children’s rights while fostering a culture in which their opinions are recognized, respected and acted upon.