The last minute postponement of a national child protection policy launch this week is frustrating a women's rights advocate and Director of Women and Children's Crisis Center (WCCC) ‘Ofa Guttenbeil-Likiliki, who fears the policy endorsed by Cabinet in October, may now be rescinded, after new submissions were presented to Cabinet today.

Guttenbeil-Likiliki says the policy, that was four years in the making, was to be a landmark commitment at ensuring that every child in Tonga is safe and protected. But the launch, scheduled to be held on Human Right's Day this week, 10 December, was postponed at the last minute.

She said the Cabinet was hearing a submission today, 12 December, from the CEO of Justice, who held concerns about the policy.

Guttenbeil-Likiliki is concerned that: "there is a possibility that the policy that was already endorsed could be rescinded."

The Tonga National Child Protection Policy and Strategic Plan of Action 2026-2030 (TNCPP) was endorsed by the Cabinet in October, as announced then by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Taniela Fusimalohi during a media briefing on 17 October.

The policy was developed over four years by Tongan experts across key sectors, including WCCC and Ministry of Justice, and was intended to establish a unified national framework for child protection.

The CEO of Justice, Dr. Sela Moa, co-chairs the TNCPP Committee.

Likiliki, expressed her frustration over the delay of the launch of the policy, but said they reamained steadfast. 

"Our children cannot wait for adults to resolve their fears or politics. Their lives, their wellbeing, and their dreams deserve every effort, every resource, and every courageous decision we can make today,” she said.

The reasons for the new submissions have not been made public.