Children's rights must be addressed - Minister

The Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity, Marie Louise Coliero Preca said that it was crucial that the rights of children were addressed, and their voices listened to.

The minister was speaking at a conference at the University on the legal rights of children, at a time when the government is discussing and analysing a revision of the Children's Act and policy.

At the conference, several University law students delivered presentations on aspects which they believed should be addressed in a the updated child law such as the rights of children in asylum, child access to justice and the inclusion of children with a disability in the education sector.

Coleiro Preca praised the students for putting forward "valid and pertinent" issues and said that she felt "encouraged" to see that so many youngsters were taking an interest.

"Children are often referred to as the country's future, but we must remember that they form a big part of its present, too," she said.

"It is crucial that the rights of children are addressed and their voices need to be heard," she said, explaining that that the government was currently in the process of analysing various aspects in the area.

Furthermore, Coleiro Preca said that Malta needed "vociferous" NGOs to help secure and safeguard the rights of children, explaining that with more interest in the area, the more democratic and effective it could prove.

Meanwhile, Clyde Puli, the opposition speaker on social solidarity said that safeguarding the rights of children was of "supreme importance" and that it was the society's responsibility, and specifically that of the legislators, to safeguard their interests.

"This process is not a static one but a vibrant one. It needs to be evaluated, tested and challenged," he said, adding that children were amongst the most vulnerable persons in society.

"It is only by working together that we can create a safer and fairer environment for our children," Puli said.