An open appeal to the public and media to respect children’s rights, dignity and safety has come from the Office of the  Prime Minister (OPM).

And that’s based on what is the “emerging trend of posting videos and images of children on media platforms”, the Child and Gender Affairs Unit within the OPM said in a News Release today.

 “We all have a role to play as guardians in ensuring that our children rights to privacy are promoted and protected.

“We wish to remind the public that the misuse of children’s images and videos put them at a greater risk of harm and may endanger their lives.

“At this time, two instances have occurred on social media platforms which violate children’s privacy. These include: 1. the circulation of imagery of children living at the St. Jude’s School for Girls’ and 2. a viral Facebook post made by a radio personality which endorsed a misleading statement that involved the disrespect of the public office of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

“The Office of the Prime Minister (Gender and Child Affairs) supports the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago in condemning the circulation and exploitation of children through the use of images on social media without parental consent.

“The National Child Policy for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago insists on the protection and promotion of the well-being of all children. One of the six tenets of the policy clearly outlines the need for all children to be protected from harm, violence and abuse, and their legal rights upheld.

“ Furthermore, Article 16 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that “no child shall be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful interference with his or her privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to unlawful attacks on his or her honour and reputation.”

“ The Office of the Prime Minister will continue to promote and protect the welfare of every child and their rights.