The Second Ordinary Session of Parliament earlier this month marks the 5th time that the Child Protection Bill was dropped from the list of bills since its completion in 2023.

While relevant authorities reports an alarming increase of child abuse and neglect cases, the withdrawal means they continue to be left without legal power to respond.

National Human Rights Coordinator, Albert Nalpini is frustrated and questioned law makers and the government for the continues withdrawal.

“We believe this bill is part of the fundamental bills that will not only address the lawlessness within our communities but it will also bring that certainty and guarantee the livelihood of not only our children but also our nation,” said Mr Nalpini.

“The bill constitutes the protection of our children,” explains.

“While people are assuming the bill will empower children to overrun existing governances, it is drafted within the framework of the existing principals under the constitution.

“That is within the parameters of Christian principals and our Melanesian custom principals.”

Nalpini who is a former Commission of Police stressed that while the bill continues to be withdrawn for further consultations, issues of child abuse continue to haunt communities, some which are never reported.

He refers to a recent case where a paramount Chief from Tanna, Peter Marcel was left with no other choice but to deal with a child abuse case at the nakamal because relevant government authorities fail to do so.

Chief Marcel who is also the Chairman of the Nikoletan Council of Chiefs publicly stated on social media that a local businessman entered a classroom in Tanna, and slapped his grandson so hard that he shat himself in front of his fellow students.

“The chief said he went as far as talking to the Police, the Child Desk to address tge issue but so far there are no significant step taken to address the issue.

“The Child Desk is ready to work with our communities to protect or children therefore we call on our leaders to give us the power by enacting the bill.”

He said if bill is enacted relevant authorities can effectively address such issues.

Child Social Welfare Coordinator Tristelle Karae dubbed the bill as a very expensive bill due to the amount of finance, and nation wide consultation the team contacted when preparing the bill.

She added that if national leaders are serious when they say children are future leaders then they should consider the bill because it requires a lot to raise a child to become a future leader.

According to the explanatory noted of the bill “Over recent years the reported levels of child abuse and violence in Vanuatu has increased.

“Studies, research and consultations undertaken in Vanuatu over the past years identify a range
of abuses faced by children.

“These include sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect and harmful traditional practices.”

The Bill establishes a child protection system, and provides for the prevention of and response to all forms of violence and abuse of children.

The process of drafting the bill commence way back in 2021 and was completed in 2023. The bills started to appear in the list of parliament bills in 2024.

Mr Naplin said they are left in the dark as to which part of the bill or reason that continue to hold back the bill from being presented and discussed by the national parliament.