Prime Minister (PM) Manasseh Sogavare has announced the Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC) Government is committed to passing legislation on child welfare and protection.
Sogavare said this in his speech at the 16 days of activism against gender based violence in Honiara yesterday.
He said subject to the Bill’s endorsement by Cabinet, the Bill should be tabled before Parliament during its first sitting in 2016.
“ As well other legislative reforms in the DCCG’s reform agenda have the potential to further improve Government’s response to gender have the potential to further improve Government’s response to gender based violence.
“The Government continues to monitor progress on implementation of its legislative reform agenda, which basically aims at providing a national legal framework that is robust, effective, and is meaningful to each and every one of us.”
DCCG also acknowledged that gender based violence cannot be viewed through a single lens. “The many lenses we wear to tackle the issue, the better, because our different backgrounds, status and positions of influence.
“Our different knowledge and skills; our diverse experiences provide that richness in our campaign as we stand together to bring about desired change.”
Guest of honor Sogavare said, his government’ is committed to the advancement of women’s rights under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against CEDAW Women.
“We should fundamentally challenge the culture of discrimination that allows violence to continue.
“I am happy to see that the 16 Days campaign will end on Human Rights Day, Which is December 10th
“CEDAW as we know is a human rights instrument, which is also termed as the Bill of Rights for Women.”
By ELLIOT DAWEA
