The Government of Nauru has reinforced its commitment to children’s rights by passing the Child Protection and Welfare Act on 10 June.

This means legal provisions for the welfare, care and protection of all children in Nauru under the age of 18.

Nauru’s Minister for Home Affairs, Charmaine Scotty, said that “The Act recognises the value of Nauruan tradition, culture and community values, except where such matters conflict with the rights of children as provided for in the Act.”

“In doing so, the Government has made a strong commitment to the protection of all children in Nauru, today, and tomorrow.”

The new law mandates the Ministry of Home Affairs to take action to prevent and protect children from harm. It also enables the ministry to be able to conduct investigations; move a child to a safe place in cases where a child is harmed or may be harmed; and placing children with other caregivers.

UNICEF welcomed the passing of this legislation. UNICEF Pacific Representative, Dr Karen Allen, said the Act has brought Nauru into alignment with international standards including raising the minimum age of marriage to 18 for both boys and girls.

“In particular we welcome the mandatory reporting of any sexual abuse or exploitation of a child by persons in authority in a school, church or other religious institution, health facility, prison, detention or corrections facility, or any other place where children are supervised or cared. This sends a strong signal that sexual abuse or exploitation will not be tolerated – and supports child victims to safely report abuse and seek help,” she said.

The new act stems from the enforcement of children’s rights under international conventions including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which Nauru signed in 1994.