The Child Rights and Child Protection Program Supports children in Vanuatu to reach their full potential through the realization of their rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). In 1992, Vanuatu ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, committing the Vanuatu Government to ensure that the rights of the children under the convention are realized.

The program 

The Child Rights and Child Protection Program adopt a strategy which aims to strengthen the capacity of key Duty Bearers, children and young people to take forward the process of ensuring child rights are realized in Vanuatu.

The Child Rights and Child Protection Program was established to support both government and the community organizations in this goal and incorporates the following aims:

• to ensure that Duty Bearers have a clear understanding of Child Rights and Child Protection and the capacity to bring about and support realization of those rights.
• to enable children to participate fully in the design, implementation and assessment of activities related to their rights.
• to bring about positive changes in key areas where children’s rights are not being realized in Vanuatu. 
• to increase family, community and government knowledge, understanding and responsibility on child protection that will lead to reduced incidence of child abuse and neglect.

These aims are progressed through a program of training and awareness raising activities.

Benefits to Children and Communities

Through such vehicles such as the National Children’s Day activities, involvement of schools and the general advocacy promotion including the media and direct forums, there has been a strong impact on parenting practice and behaviour changes. This has resulted in attitudes with a focus now on children’s rights and not children’s needs.

In addition the Government through the National Children’s Committee has developed a National Children’s Policy that ensures relevant government departments, NGOs and communities participate in promoting the rights of children in Vanuatu. The establishment of a national children’s desk enhances the implementation and promotion of the rights of children.

Who We Work With

Relevant Vanuatu agencies including the National Children’s Committee, relevant civil society organizations (NGOs) including chiefs and church leaders and families.

Read about other Save the Children programs in Vanuatu...