Acting with more sensitivity and in children’s interest

Dear Editor,

It is important to the wellbeing of our society that the media highlights social issues, such as child sexual exploitation and abuse. Increased awareness of this scourge may prompt those responsible to do more and possibly effectuate change for the better. However, it is equally important that those involved in the rescue, investigations and reporting of child sexual exploitation and abuse cases do the right thing in the right way. Whatever actions are taken, the best interest of the child should be paramount.

On June 22, 2017, one media house reported the story of two teenage girls who were removed from a “sex camp” along the Amaila Falls access road, Kuribrong mining district, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). The 15-year-old is below the age of consent so any adult who engaged in sexual activities with her is guilty of statutory rape. The 17-year-old may be above the age of consent but the investigation could possibly reveal that she was coerced or forced into sexual activities while she was a minor.

On the surface, the fact that this story was highlighted in the media is commendable. Additionally, the swift action by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) officers and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) ranks, rescuing the teenagers from the “sex camp” is commendable. More similar actions of this nature are needed to protect children, especially those in remote locations and should be coming from others in these communities and their leaders. It is not clear why there was a reporter at the scene, directly asking the teenagers questions. Here is where a trained counsellor should have been present as clearly this was a planned rescue mission. While this matter needs to be reported to the public, the rights of these teenagers and their dignity is important and garnering details from the girls should be done in a sensitive and ethical manner and by someone who is trained to address the issues of child sexual exploitation and abuse that will bring no further harm to the children.

Children should not be exposed to the questioning of a reporter in these rescue missions. What they need is the support of a counsellor. We encourage the officers to ensure that a trained counsellor from the relevant agency accompany them on future exercises and the press to act with greater care.

The ChildLinK and our partners in the Child Rights Alliance (CRA) commend the act of removing these girls by the GGMC and the GPF ranks from an environment where they were possibly abused. We commend the media for their interest in social issues and support their right to bring these matters to the public’s attention. We do, however, encourage these important stakeholders to act with more sensitivity and in the best interest of children in the future.

Yours faithfully,

Hasani Tinnie