Judge praises govt.’s lead

07 May 2016, 12:00AM

A member of the UN Committee of the Rights of the Child, Justice Vui Clarence Nelson, has expressed his warmest congratulations to the government and the people of Samoa for once again taking the initiative in areas vital to the interests of children. 

Justice Vui, who represents Samoa and the Pacific, on the U.N. Committee said the ratification of two key human rights instruments; the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (C.R.C) on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, and the Optional Protocol to the C.R.C on a communications procedure, is a step in the right direction.

He noted from his experience as a sitting judge of the Supreme Court of Samoa, that while child pornography is not yet a problem in Samoa, the exposure of children to pornographic images via social media and readily accessible internet sites is a disturbing and growing trend the Government must find ways to address. 

He has no doubt this is a challenge every Pacific government will be required to meet; but sooner rather than later. 

This is not to mention the ongoing efforts being made by all governments in the region to combat the high incidence of exploitation and sexual abuse of the young and vulnerable.

He has no doubt the C.R.C Committee looks forward to other Pacific nations following Samoa’s exemplary lead.

07 May 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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