All stakeholders should step up their efforts in the effective implementation of child- and gender-sensitive policies - SRSG Maalla M’jid concludes five-day visit to Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic, 27 October 2022 - The Special Representative on violence against children Dr Maalla M’jid visited the Dominican Republic to support the government and key multi stakeholders to step up their efforts to fulfill their commitments made within the framework of Agenda 2030, specifically the protection of children from all forms of violence.
During her mission, the Special Representative held constructive dialogues with high-level representatives, including H.E Mr. Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic, First Lady Raquel Arbaje, ministers, legislative and judicial authorities, as well as with representatives from civil society, the private sector, the UN country team and children and adolescents.
The Special Representative called for enhancement in prevention, prioritizing the safety of all children and adolescents, and the need for this commitment to be reflected in the appropriate allocation of human and financial resources and to be accompanied by mechanism of regular monitoring, evaluation, and accountability.
“It is urgent to invest in intersectoral systems to effectively implement children and gender-sensitive policies, which are essential for the country to realize their promise to eradicate all forms of violence, neglect, abuse and exploitation of all children by 2030.” Said Dr. Maalla M’jid.
In her meeting with the President, the SRSG congratulated his leadership and commitment to social causes, reflected in a significant increase in the country’s social investment. The President highlighted the efforts the government is making to prioritize investment in the country’s human capital as an essential component of its sustainability, especially the investment in children and their early childhood development.
In a meeting with First Lady Raquel Arbaje, the Special Representative recognized the commitment and efforts of the government with the adoption of legislation to protect the rights of children, such as the adoption of the law which prohibits child marriage, the priority of investment given to early childhood development, advocacy to the congress for legal reforms to prohibit violence against children and supports to families in their positive parenting, among others.
“I commend the Government for the steps taken to safeguard children’s rights. All stakeholders in the Dominican Republic should step up their efforts for the effective implementation of child-sensitive and gender-sensitive policies and address the important drivers of violence. These include poverty, the long-existing social inequality, challenges brought by the climate crisis, for all children independent of their migratory status the lack of alternatives to the institutionalization of children and adolescents. ”added the Special Representative.
Transforming Tourism, Destinations for the future
On 26 October, Dr. Maalla M’jid, addressed the Conference Transforming Tourism, Destinations for the future held in Punta Cana as a keynote speaker.. The meeting brought together national and international tourism experts and leaders from the public and private sectors and civil society, dedicated to advancing sustainable tourism globally and particularly to accelerating the shift towards low-emission and circular tourism models in both developed and developing countries.
In her statement, the Special Representative highlighted the importance of placing the social element of sustainable tourism at the forefront of the efforts to accelerate the transformation of the sector’s future towards a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive industry and the role of public and private sector, with particular focus on the intersection between child protection, tourism, and climate change.
“In a world where climate change-induced environmental emergencies, such as floods, extreme temperatures, and fires, are increasingly becoming the norm, the future can often look uncertain. This future is particularly uncertain for children, youth, women and future generations, who experts recognize as the most vulnerable group to the impacts of climate change” said Dr. Mallla M’;jid.
It is estimated that tourism’s global resource use, including energy, water, land, and food, will at least double over the coming four decades. The disproportionate effects of climate change on children, particularly the poorest and marginalized point out the need to change the paradigm.