The International Affairs Committee (IAC) of the National Assembly met with representatives of the social affairs department to review the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a Communications Procedure before it is brought forward before the House for ratification.

The social affairs delegation comprised the principal secretary for social affairs, Linda William; the director of social services, Beryl Laboudallon; and legal officer Michelle Marguerite.

Members of the IAC were briefed by the delegation from the department of social affairs on the different articles of the Protocol, its importance and specific details relating to the Convention that Seychelles has made major improvements on.

PS William stated that Seychelles will present its next report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in 2022 and also discussed some pertinent issues relating to the protection of the rights of children in the country.

The members had the opportunity to address questions and concerns on the compliance of the Protocol as well as whether or not the law reforms are required and the implications of certain constraints that small island developing states face.

The Committee will be presenting a report to the House when the Protocol will be presented for ratification.

The chairperson of the IAC, Hon. Waven William, was accompanied by the vice-chairperson, Hon. Wavel Woodcock, Hon. Kelly Samynadin, Hon. Egbert Aglae, Hon. Wallace Cosgrow and Hon. Philip Arissol.

Also present were Alexandria Faure, the deputy Clerk to the National Assembly and secretary to the Committee, and Nada Delafontaine, the assistant secretary.

The accompanying photographs show highlights of the meeting.

Press release from the National Assembly secretariat