UNICEF Guyana, in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Juvenile Holding Centre, celebrated World Children’s Day on November 20 by engaging with 14 juveniles, along with their families, teachers, and representatives from the Rights of the Child Commission (RCC) of Guyana.
The focus of the event was to raise awareness among the juveniles about their rights, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, with particular attention to the right to access justice. Dr. Loria-Mae Heywood, Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF Guyana and Suriname, presented on children’s rights and shared the outcomes of focus group consultations facilitated by UNICEF and its partners on General Comment 27, which addresses access to justice and effective remedies for children.
The discussions included key recommendations from the children on improving their understanding of their rights and the steps they can take if their rights are violated. The event was also attended by Ms. Aleema Nasir, Chairperson of the RCC, and Ms. Joanann Edghill-Stuart, Director of Juvenile Justice, among other staff members of the Juvenile Holding Centre.
