Save the Children calls for protection of Sri Lankan girl’s rights

Save the Children New Zealand has called for the protection of the sexually abused 16-year-old Sri Lankan girl who was due to be deported to her home country today.

Save the Children New Zealand’s Executive Director John Bowis said New Zealand has an obligation to protect this child under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC).

New Zealand officially adopted the UNCROC in 1993, setting the standard for the rights of every person in the country under the age of 18.

“One of the most important Articles of the Convention that applies to this case is Article 3, which states that all actions concerning children should consider their best interests,” said Mr Bowis.

“Article 22 states that refugee children or children seeking refuge should be given special protection.”

“Further, Article 19 states that the Government should protect children from all types of mistreatment.”

“We expect immigration authorities to incorporate the provisions of the Convention and the spirit of the Convention into their decision making. How would New Zealanders feel if this were one of our own children needing protection overseas?”

“Save the Children advocates the protection of children from abuse wherever they are in the world – there are no international boundaries.”

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