A discussion has been held in a bid to strengthen child protection systems and prevent violence against children in Sri Lanka.

The matter was deliberated when a delegation from UNICEF, accompanied by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children (VAC), Dr. Najat Maalla M'jid met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament premises.

The discussion was focused on further strengthening cooperation and engagement with the government on ensuring the protection and well-being of children and efforts to prevent and respond to all forms of violence against children, the Office of the Prime Minister said.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister acknowledged UNICEF's continued support to Sri Lanka, particularly during the response to Cyclone Ditwah, as well as its longstanding contributions to reforms in education and early childhood education and initiatives aimed at preventing and addressing violence against children.

The Prime Minister noted that while Sri Lanka has made significant progress in developing policies, the challenge lies in ensuring their effective implementation.

She emphasized the need to address gaps in institutional capacity and human resources, while strengthening coordination among the various parts responsible for child protection while highlighting the critical role of frontline workers in the delivery of child protection services.

During the discussion, representatives of UNICEF emphasized the importance of bringing together all relevant stakeholders to address gaps in child protection procedures and referral pathways. Particular attention was given to ensuring that children have clear and accessible mechanisms through which they can report abuse and seek assistance, the Prime Minister’s Office stated.

Meanwhile, Dr. Najat Maalla M'jid had highlighted the importance of strengthening the competencies of frontline professionals on psychosocial support, early detection, defining direct signs, techniques of effective listening, and safeguarding privacy. The discussions also underscored the growing importance of protecting children from online violence and abuse, and the need to strengthen measures to ensure children's safety in digital environments.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Najat Maalla M'jid, United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children; Ms. Emma Brigham, UNICEF Representative; Mr. Marc-André Franche, United Nations Resident Coordinator; officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and additional secretaries and officials from the Ministry of Education.