The Fifth World Congress on Justice With Children Poem
- Log in to post comments
By: Hazel Thompson- Ahye (Republic of Trinidad and Tobago)
1.
The Fifth World Congress on Justice with Children was held this year in Spain
At a time when millions of children are suffering an unprecedented amount of pain.
Child -Centred Justice Preventing and Responding to Violence Affecting Children
In Child Justice Systems was the theme chosen by some wise men and women
Who were optimistic that we could find solutions, that after three days we could decide
How to promote fair and appropriate justice systems for and with all children worldwide.
Professionals would exchange best practices, formulate policy and raise awareness
And proffer solutions which evidence they are courageous and fearless.
They would align reform proposals with international child rights standards for child justice
To protect the child subject to physical, sexual, psychological, mental and environmental risk
Recommend implementation of Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda
Promote a just, peaceful, inclusive society for all, regardless of age, sexual orientation or gender.
2.
On wings of hope, flying in from countries far and wide, courageous women and men
Descended on Spain, bearing toolkits to fix the broken child justice system.
Children must be at the centre of the child justice system was their determination.
Child rights must be addressed, as key to their rehabilitation.
Violence against children is a global crisis, pervasive in families, schools and community
And must be eradicated in whatever form it is manifest and in its entirety.
Children must be given a voice in the justice system we must assert
We must listen to them to understand their thoughts, feelings and hurt
We need to make a pardigm shift from regarding children as objects of our concern
And see children as rights holders, worthy of innate respect not necessarily earned.
New threats to children from IT and the digital age must be eliminated, clearly understood
To preserve children’s integrity as they grow to be viable citizens of our neighbourhood.
3.
Children today are an endangered species in need of our care and protection
Their lives must be preserved if we hope for their continuation to the next generation.
Change our view of children in conflict with the law, see a child gangster as a victim
The one who recruits and not the perpetrator has committed the greater sin
Climate change is a real threat to the continuance of the human race
Yet we ignore the evidential signs of impending destruction staring us in the face
Governments must be creative, offer incentives as tax measures for us to change gear
Renewable energy, elimination of plastics, solar panels help the environment, give clean air
Prevent and prosecute environment -related crimes, protect wild life and ecosystem at the root
For full enjoyment of human rights for the present generation and all future youth.
We must not only seek to punish but ensure children live healthy, fulfilling lives
That will ensure our society’s future will be productive, will surely thrive.
4.
In plenary sessions and parallel sessions, in person and by satellite
Thousands in child justice field attended this conference to learn and to shed light
Persons of distinction shared their expertise and experiences to prevent and respond to violence
That in many forms pervade child justice systems but may escape the judicial lens.
Detention as a measure of last resort is so often just mere rhetoric
Diversion, alternatives as restorative justice and mediation are often skipped.
This conference was convened in the shadow of much injustice and pain
Cruelty to children is pervasive, on many societies it casts a stain.
Innocent children are being murdered daily with impunity
While the world seems shocked into silence and immobility.
Our hearts are heavy, our souls torn apart, we cry, “They don’t deserve this.”
We ask the Creator why love and goodwill are in such serious crisis.
Yet we hope and pray that tomorrow will be a better day
When peace and justice for all children will eventually hold sway.
We thank our generous sponsors and hard-working organisers who made this event a reality
And vow to keep the faith and strive to make child justice a certainty.