The Ministry for the Family Children’s Rights and Social Solidarity is organizing a National Conference to mark International Children’s Day & the European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual abuse.
The aim of the conference is to connect all stake holders together, mainly from the social sector, the education sector, the police, the medical sector, sports sector, law, NGO’s and others, who through their experience can give their input. During the same conference, we will also organize a number of workshops.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has accepted our invitation & will address this conference, while Mr George Nikolaidis, the Chair Person of the Lanzarote Committee within the Council of Europe will also join us and deliver a presentation.
DRAFT AGENDA
8.30 – 9.00am: Registration, Welcome Coffee
9.00 – 9.10am: Introductory Address
Dr Michael Falzon, Minister for the Family, Children’s Rights and Social Solidarity
9.10 – 9.20am: Speech
Dr Charles Azzopardi, Family Therapist
9.20 – 9.30am: Speech
Ms Pauline Miceli, Commissioner for Children
9.30 – 10.00am: Working within the Lanzarote Committee
Dr George Nikolaidis, Chairperson CoE, Lanzarote Committee
10.00 – 10.15am: Key Note Address
Dr Joseph Muscat, Prime Minister of Malta
10.15 – 10.45am: Coffee Break
10.45 – 10.50am: Video
10.50 – 12.00am: Workshops
1. Law - What improvements shall there be in the process of reporting sexual abuse on children? How can we make it easier for children? Within many systems, including in education, health care professionals do not see children unless consented by their parents. How does this respect the best interest of the child and their rights to access help privately?
2. Health - Are health services provision for victims of sexual abuse prescribed by the law? Should it be prescribed? How do service providers collaborate in provide health support to child victims of sexual abuse? What is the perspective of child victims and their families about the support they receive? How can we improve services?
3. Education - Soon, professionals like teachers will be legally bound to report any form of abuse, including sexual abuse, to the authorities. How can a good balance be found between over-reporting and underreporting?
4. Social: How much are people aware of the different forms and nuances sexual abuse takes? What kind of popular narratives are there? How can we collaborate and contribute towards a coherent story, covering as much forms of abuse as possible, so that sexual abuse on children is prevented and reported?
12.00 – 12.45pm: Presentation of Workshops by Rapporteur
12.45 – 13.00pm: Concluding Remarks
Dr Michael Falzon, Minister for the Family, Children’s Rights & Social Solidarity
13.00 – 14.00pm: Networking Lunch
