The Ombudsperson makes it clear that the work should be done in close collaboration with those involved in child protection – not only the different ministries concerned but also all the other stakeholders. “This year has also been important in terms of training for the staff and other stakeholders as well as sharing of knowledge and experience with others. The Ombudsperson for Children stresses the importance of working with children as there are ever-growing challenges in this field,” she states in the introduction of the report.

And, to show her commitment, she announces, “a kit is in preparation on corporal punishment with a view to proposing to teachers alternative constructive methods of discipline and showing how corporal punishment can cause irreparable damage to children and be counter-productive. This kit can also be distributed to all those who conduct awareness programmes with adults and children or those who care for children or work with them closely”.

This year also, the prevention of violence is the Ombudsperson for Children’s top priority. In view of the high number of cases of violence during the past year – among them some extremely cruel ones such as that of little Marie-Anita Jolita - Shirin Aumeeruddy Cziffra could not do otherwise than give an important place to violence against children. She has made recommendations to try to prevent such tragedies from occurring again; it is now the government’s duty to implement the measures to effectively change the situation.