See full statement below:
The Childcare and Protection Agency hereby denounce all publications, radio broadcasts, news stories whether via social media, print or television media, and press conferences which have in one way or another compromised the privacy and protection of a child by disclosing information that leads or could easily lead to the identification of a child.
In recent times there has been an increase in instances where either the Police, Media personnel (professional, social media or otherwise), and other individuals have published or revealed details in respect of a child who is involved in matters that are considered offenses whether as a victim, witness or perpetrator contrary to the Rights of the Child Convention and the Laws of Guyana.
The Laws of Guyana, under section 10 (2) of the Childcare and Protection Agency Act, Chapter 46:07, “no person shall publish any information relating to proceedings relating to children (see sub-sections 10 (1), (3) and (4) Cap 46:07 for clarity) in a manner that discloses the name of the child or any information from which the child’s identity may be inferred, including information on persons connected to the child.”
This means that the name, ages, relationship of the child to the perpetrator or the victim, names of the child’s parents or guardians, area where the child resides, school which the child attends or the child’s grade should not be published or revealed to the general public neither any picture of the child or the child’s relatives that can lead to the identification of the child. Only vague and general information should be given in respect of any child who is the subject matter of any proceedings.
Section 10 (6) Cap 46:07 further provides “anyone who contravenes this section commits an offense and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars (GY$250,000.00) and to imprisonment for six (6) months”.
The Agency’s responsibility for the supervision and protection of ‘at risk’ children include protecting and ensuring the privacy and welfare of children who engage or could possibly the attention of the court, Agency, or any other organisation in respect of any report of physical, sexual or verbal abuse, child neglect, child abandonment or child endangerment.
We are therefore willing to train the media and other related entities in this area and work with them to ensure the protection of our nation’s children.
The Agency, therefore, implores the Police Force, Journalists and Media entities, Social Media enthusiasts, and the general public to be cognizant of the legislation relating to the protection of the rights, privacy, and welfare of children and to desist from any practices including the publishing of information whether via television, radio, social media or print, that can lead to the identification of children involved in proceedings otherwise than as specified in section 10 (4) of the Childcare and Protection Agency Act, Chapter 46:07.
Please note that if you fail to desist from such practices and to comply with the provisions of the Act the Agency will not hesitate to institute legal proceedings against you for non-compliance with the provisions of the Act.
