UNICEF presented the findings of its report regarding “The situation of children and adolescents in St. Maarten” to Education Minister Silveria Jacobs and other stakeholders on Monday during a session at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort.

 

“Overall, the situation of children and adolescents in St. Maarten is good. Adequate attention is given by government and civil society to their wellbeing,” the report read. “There is almost universal access to health care and education while mechanisms are in place for those who are in need of protection. However, there are some issues that require continued attention by government and stakeholders.”

 

The report is based on research carried out by an independent organisation. It was prepared as a follow-up to discussions with the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 2009. As part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, St. Maarten must report periodically to the CRC. More than 100 professionals, parents, community leaders and children were interviewed and, according to UNICEF, like any report, this one gives a “picture” of the country’s situation.

 

The report said there was a low child mortality rate and almost universal access to health care in St. Maarten, but noted that there was a high teen pregnancy rate, an increase in obesity among children and challenges in accessing health care for migrant children. It also said health data was not easily accessible.

 

The report offered a recommendation that St. Maarten design sexual and reproductive health programmes addressing teenage pregnancy and maintain focus to ensure that there is universal access to affordable health care for all population groups. It also suggested further links to the components of the health care system (prevention, promotion, care, cure and rehabilitation) and ensured continued availability of good data on health.

 

In the area of education, UNICEF said that while there was universal access to education and high investment by the state, the school curriculum should be adapted to needs of local students so that they could, for example, be able to learn about local culture. The report highlighted challenges relating to class size, teachers, school materials and limited interaction between school and parents. It also cited limited after-school care opportunities.

 

Jacobs’ remarks at the session outlined government’s efforts relating to after-school programmes. She said afternoon classes would be introduced at two additional schools.

 

UNICEF recommended that government increase the availability of quality child care facilities, expand and ensure access to after-school programmes, take action to prevent school dropouts from secondary schools and provide options for those who had left school. It also recommended that St. Maarten design and implement unified methods and curricula for all children.

 

UNICEF found that the state and civil society paid significant attention to the area of child protection. It found no evidence of child labour and said there was important progress with legislation such as laws related to a father’s role in the new criminal code.

 

However, the report found that there was a high level of violence against children at home, in schools and elsewhere. It also found challenges relating to the coordination among actors in the child protection system.

 

It recommended that St. Maarten design and implement an early warning system for child rights violations, expand efforts to address violence among children and improve coordination between stakeholders in the area of child protection.

 

(The Daily Herald)