UNICEF supported child protection office opened in Trincomalee

[TamilNet, Friday, 27 August 2004, 17:19 GMT]
The office of the Trincomalee District Child Protection Committee (DCPC) was opened Friday afternoon in the Trincomalee General Hospital.

UNICEF Trincomalee zone office head Ms.Gabriela Elroy unveiling the name board of the DCPC.

UNICEF Trincomalee zone office head Ms Gabriella Elroy unveiled the name board of the office erected in the hospital premises and North East Provincial Commissioner for Probation and Child Care Ms N.R.Ranjini unveiled the name board fixed in the DCPC office.Trincomalee General Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. (Ms) Gnanagunalan declared open the office by cutting the ribbon.

"There is a stigma about abuse, and it is crucial to break the silence. UNICEF encourages everyone to report cases of child abuse to the District Child Protection Office in the Trincomalee hospital, or to the police or local child rights promotion officers," said Ms.Gabriella Elroy.

Trincomalee General Hospital Medical Superindent Dr.( Ms ) Gnanagunalan declared open the Trinco DCPC office by cutting the ribbon Friday . DCPC Secretary Mr.P.Ravichandran is also seen in the picture.

The opening of the DCPC office is a tremendous step for protecting the children of this community, she added

"Today is a very exciting day. Let us make this the next step in protecting all the children of Trincomalee," Ms Elroy further said.

The DCPC is one group trying to help the children of Trincomalee district. The DCPC meets monthly to discuss child protection and child abuse issues in the community, and provides an open door to children and family members looking to report abuse. The committe comprises local child protection leaders from the police and health sector along with the UNICEF.

A press release issued by the UNICEF said that the physical and emotional abuse of children is common in society, but no child should ever be abused and more and more people are realizing that child abuse can be stopped.

NE Provincial Commissioner of Probation and Child Care Ms.Ranjini unveiling the name board.

"UNICEF is supporting the development of District Child Protection Committees throughout across the Sri Lanka by providing financial and other support. In Trincomalee UNICEF supported capacity building workshops for key child protection staff, furniture for the DCPC office, and assisted Trincomalee DCPC members to visit other districts to see how DCPC offices function in different parts of the country," the press release further said.

Trincomalee Additional Government Agent Mr.N.Singarayaer, Dr. (Ms) Gnanagunalan, Legal Aid Foundation head Mr.K.Sivapalan also spoke.

DCPC co-ordinator and child rights promotion officer of the DCPC Mr.G.Sagthinayagam made the welcome address and Mr. P.Ravichchandran, Probation Officer and Secretary of the DCPC in Trincomalee proposed vote of thanks.

A section of the participants at the DCPC office opening ceremony.

Trincomalee Additional Government Agent Mr.Singarayer speaking at function. UNICEF Trincomalee Assistant Child Protection Officer Ms. Hristina Torsein and Ms.Ranjini are seen in the picture.