President Danny Faure declared that there is zero tolerance for any form of abuse against children, affirming the strong stance of Government whilst chairing the first meeting of the newly created High Level Committee to address child protection matters this morning. The committee has been commissioned to review the existing structures in place in the country related to child protection and propose recommendations to the Government.  

Members of the committee briefed President Faure on the various structures and services related to child protection in place at the moment, and discussed what needs to change. All members present agreed on the need to reinforce collaboration between various stakeholders to better protect the children of Seychelles.

The President has set a deadline of 15 May 2020 for the submission of comprehensive recommendations by the committee. The committee will thereafter convene for meetings every three months.

Members of the High Level Committee include the Chief Justice, Mrs Mathilda Twomey, Designated Minister, Mrs Macsuzy Mondon, the Minister for Family Affairs, Mrs Mitcy Larue, the Minister for Education and Human Resources Development, Mrs Jeanne Simeon, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Kishnan Labonte, the Attorney General, Mr Frank Ally, The Chairperson of National Commission for Child Protection, Amb. Dr Erna Athanasius, Secretary of State for Health, Amb. Marie-Pierre Lloyd, Principal Secretary for Social Affairs, Mrs Linda William-Melanie and the Deputy Cabinet Secretary for Policy Affairs, Ms Margaret Moumou.