Ali Orders Child Protection Task Force as Thousands of Abuse Cases Expose Gaps in Guyana’s Response

President Irfaan Ali has ordered the creation of an inter-agency task force to develop recommendations on child welfare and safety, but the announcement leaves unanswered questions about when concrete measures will be implemented and how the government intends to address the scale of abuse confronting Guyana’s children.

In a statement following a consultative meeting with representatives of government, the Judiciary, Parliament, law enforcement, constitutional commissions and civil society, Ali said participants agreed that “immediate, drastic and coordinated actions” were necessary.

The proposed response includes public education, parental support, school activities, psychosocial services, mentoring, recreational programmes, regulation of children’s exposure to music and social media, possible legislative changes and adjustments to law enforcement and the administration of justice.