Warnath Group is proud to have partnered with Jamaica’s Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) to establish child-friendly spaces at INDECOM locations in Kingston and Montego Bay, Jamaica.
The development of child-friendly spaces is an important component of Warnath Group’s program under the U.S.-Jamaica Child Protection Compact, an initiative of both governments to address child trafficking in Jamaica. Through the program, the Warnath Group offers various forms of training and technical assistance opportunities for Government of Jamaica organizations, including INDECOM.
At the launch of the INDECOM child-friendly spaces on November 15, INDECOM Commissioner Hugh Faulkner noted, “These child-friendly spaces will serve as controlled environments for the interviewing of victims and witnesses who are vulnerable persons, including children under the age of 18 and potential victims of human trafficking.”
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Caribbean Affairs and Haiti Barbara Feinstein recognized that through the work of the U.S.-Jamaica Child Protection Compact, there are now “three child-friendly spaces to help protect and care for the island’s most vulnerable children…they offer a warm, welcoming environment for assisting child victims of trafficking” and their development “would not have happened without Jamaican leadership, resources, and political will.”
The Children’s Advocate of Jamaica and National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons Diahann Gordon Harrison stated: “I think it’s very symbolic that INDECOM has taken what I consider to be a bold and positive step with the support of the U.S. government as we journey toward improving all services for children in Jamaica.”
Warnath Group’s Country Project Director Aylair Livingstone closed the launch remarks by noting that child-friendly spaces “send an unmistakable message that we all care about and are truly invested in the well-being of child trafficking victims and victims of other crimes.”
Warnath Group would like to thank INDECOM, the Government of Jamaica, and the U.S. Department of State for the partnership that made these child-friendly spaces a reality.
For more information on child-friendly spaces and Warnath Group’s approach, please visit:
www.childfriendlyspaces.com or contact info@warnathgroup.com.
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