THERE IS no information showing an increase in violence against children, only an increase in the number of cases being reported, Commissioner for Children’s Rights Leda Koursoumba said yesterday.
The Child Commissioner said this was as a result of the “good law” on the issue, which, among other things, makes the reporting of violence in the family against children compulsory.
Koursoumba noted that every reported case is examined separately, after which it is referred to the relevant state services, especially to the ministries, “so there can be a proper investigation and so they can take on the care of the children.”
Regarding children’s rights at school, she highlighted the need within the school “to cultivate the right of expression”.
Asked whether her office had received charges relating to the abuse of children in state institutions, Koursoumba said yes.
The Commissioner might have been referring to the Ombudswoman’s report three months ago which concluded that children’s rights were being violated at Nea Eleousa, a state care home for mentally ill children.
The report concluded that the home was understaffed and the buildings unsuitable, with bedrooms strapped of all objects other than a bed mattress. It confirmed reports that patients were enclosed in their rooms for lengthy periods and forced to wear straight jackets as a precautionary measure.
The Ombudswoman highlighted that the home’s many problems had been common knowledge for years and despite promises and assurances from the authorities, no measures were taken to resolve them.
At the time, DISY deputy Stella Kyriakidou called on Koursoumba to examine the report and inform the public on the measures taken to deal with the children’s aggressiveness towards themselves and others.
Regarding the Commissioner’s website, www.childcom.org.cy, Koursoumba said the aim was to give children the chance to be informed of their rights, to encourage them to seek them, and to know that adults were obliged to secure the implementation of their rights.
The website also gives children a chance to express their opinions on issues troubling them, which the Child Commissioner’s office will take note of when promoting issues that affect them directly.
Koursoumba said her goal was to use the power given to her by law to promote the views of children and represent their interests at all levels, “where they themselves cannot be heard.”
