Cabinet on Tuesday 5th September endorsed the Te Pito Manava o te Anau – Cook Islands National Policy Framework for Children 2017 – 2021. This is a milestone for our country since we ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1996.
This Policy is unique as children on Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mangaia and Atiu were consulted and their views contributed to the foundation of this Policy. Wide consultations across the communities were also conducted and is contributed to this Policy.
“A total of 559 primary school children and 176 secondary school students were interviewed during the development of this Policy. This inclusive collaboration is remarkable given the importance of the Te Pito Manava o te Anau – our 1st National Policy for Children in the Cook Islands and I am very pleased with it,” stated Mr Paul Allsworth, Acting Secretary of Ministry of Internal Affairs.
This Policy outlines Government’s key commitments to our children for their safety and protection of their rights, be heard and valued for who they are so that they become better leaders of our country in the future.
The Government of the Cook Islands is grateful to UNICEF Pacific office for the core support of the development of the Te Pito Manava o te Anau – Cook Islands National Policy Framework for Children.
