Monthly Highlights: March 2024

Programmes Conducted

Sessions Conducted

Published Materials

Article

Child Rights and Challenges Faced in Sri Lanka (Tamil)

Social Media Posts

The Cabinet has given the green light to draft a comprehensive bill on child rights. With society undergoing significant changes, safeguarding our children has become more critical than ever. The government is attempting to take proactive steps to address reported instances of abuse and ensure children's rights are protected. #ECPAT #ProtectChildren #EndSexualViolence. #ChildSexualExploitation #EndChildAbuse

The proposed amendment to the penal code (Chapter 19), released in the Gazette Part II of February 09, 2024, suggests lowering the age of consent to 14 in cases of statutory rape involving perpetrators up to 22 years old. This undermines the true essence of consent. PEaCE strongly urges the government to withdraw this bill immediately, as it misinterprets the concept of consent. True consent requires informed understanding and maturity, which a 14 year old does not possess. #NoTo14YearOldConsent #ECPAT #ProtectChildren #EndSexualViolence. #ChildSexualExploitation #EndChildAbuse

Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reform, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, announced the withdrawal of the bill gazetted on 09 February 2024 by the government, aimed at amending Chapter 19 of the Penal Code concerning the age at which a girl can independently consent to sexual relations, in response to public concerns. #ChildProtection #Advocacy #StopChildAbuse #EndViolence.

Mini Social Media Campaigns

Social Justice Day Cont.

As Sri Lanka navigates through its toughest economic challenge since Independence, the innocence of its children bears the weight of a crisis they had no hand in creating.

This isn't just an economic crisis; it's a crisis of justice. Every child deserves the right to food, education, and a childhood free from the threat of exploitation. #JusticeForEveryChild #EndChildPoverty #SocialJusticeDay

In the fight against child sexual exploitation, gender equality stands as a pillar of protection and empowerment. In Sri Lanka, a country rich in culture and diversity, gender norms and inequalities can significantly impact children's vulnerabilities to exploitation. Understanding and addressing these gender-based disparities is crucial for creating a safer environment for all children. #JusticeForEveryChild #AdvanceEquality #SocialJusticeDay

Stronger laws and policies are our best defence against child sexual exploitation. We call on everyone to advocate for change that protects our children. Your voice matters in shaping a safer future. #AdvocacyForChange #ProtectWithPolicy

International Women’s Day

Investing in women's education pays off: educated women are more likely to have healthier and better-educated children. This International Women's Day, let's recognise that empowering women through education is a critical step toward ending child abuse and fostering a cycle of success. #InvestInWomen #EducationForAll #IWD2024

Economic empowerment for women leads to stronger, safer communities. Women invest up to 90% of their income back into their families, compared to 35% for men, directly benefiting children's health and education. This International Women's Day, let's commit to economic opportunities for women as a pathway to ending child abuse. #EconomicEmpowerment #SafeCommunities #IWD2024

By supporting women's health, we are taking a stand against child abuse. This International Women's Day, let's ensure every woman has access to the healthcare she deserves. #WomensHealth #EndChildAbuse #IWD2024