16 Sep 2016

UN calls on Nauru to continue work on children's rights

1:41 pm on 16 September 2016

A UN Committee has called on Nauru to focus on countering discrimination against refugees and disabled children, eradicating violence against children and establishing separate centres for juvenile offenders.

The Committee concluded its review of Nauru's implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child this week.

Nauru's Home Affairs Minister, Charmaine Scotty, presented the island's first report in 20 years to the Committee on the Rights of the Child.

Ms Scotty said the Government had completed a review of the child protection system which resulted in legislation dedicated to the promotion and protection of children.

Charmaine Scotty, Minister for Home Affairs and Education and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Change, Nauru (Chair of AOSIS) at COP20, 2014.

Charmaine Scotty presented Nauru's first report in 20 years to the Commitee on the Rights of the Child. Photo: UN Photo/ Mark Garten

She said her ministry also established the Child Protection Services Division in 2015.

The Committee said it was highly concerned about child abuse and discrimination.

It said of particular concern was the attitude towards family violence, with domestic sexual offences allegedly accepted as part of culture.

There was also concern about the lack of juvenile offender facilities, and inclusive education for children with disabilities.

Ms Scotty assured the Committee Nauru took its commitments seriously and asked the international community to provide technical and financial support to help.

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