February 17th 2021
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape on Tuesday (February 16th 2021)welcomed the new United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Representative to Papua New Guinea, Dr Claudas Kamenga.
He welcomed Dr Kamenga during the presentation of the letter of appointment to him by the UNICEF Representative.
“I acknowledge the work of the outgoing UNICEF representative and the work of UNICEF in PNG carried out over the years in the areas of education, child protection, healthcare and nutrition, and other programmes aimed at supporting the development and welfare of children,” PM Marape said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the PNG Government to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
“Since ratification of the CRC in 1993, PNG is committed to undertaking all appropriate legal, administrative and other measures necessary to realise the rights of of every child, ” PM Marape said.
“Children have always held an important place in the culture and traditions of Papua New Guinea.”
He also noted the need for PNG to immediately furnish the United Nations with the following reports:
– the Convention on the rights of the Child; and
– the Universal Periodical Report on Human Rights.
The Government will be directing the Department of Community Development Youth and Religion to immediately furnish these reports to the UN.
“Our children are the future of a nation, the embodiment of development, security and justice espoused in the country’s Constitution,” PM Marape said.
He said in PNG, children make up almost half of the country’s largely rural population.
PM Marape also said health and education remained priority areas of this Government.
Among the agenda discussed were the WASH Policy; Child Protection including the Lukautim Pikinini Act, Positive Parenting Programme and the Promoting Skills Programme.
“The Government of PNG appreciates the support from UNICEF, including UN agencies and donor partners, particularly in ensuring the protection and promotion of right of children during the COVID-19 period,” PM Marape said.
He commended UNICEF on the immense work done in the country in supporting the Government in realising the rights of children.
PM Marape wished Dr Kamenga a successful tour-of-duty as the new UNICEF representative in PNG.
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