Children speak out against violence

Children voice their opinions

In a growing number of communities in Haiti, many children have been affected by violence and their communuties tainted.

As an attempt to raise awareness on these issues, children from 30 Plan communities in north-east Haiti were supported by Plan to organise a forum on violence issues affecting them.

Prior to the forum the children carried out an investigation into the essence and the most common type of violence in their community. The forum gave them the opportunity to share their concerns and make recommendations on how to reduce or eradicate violence affecting children in Haiti.

Violence in communities

Making preparations for the forum

According to these children, physical violence was recurrent in most communities. The children said they have been worried about beating habits that have taken roots within their parents, teachers or elders.

Female participants expressed concern about the growing number of physical and sexual violence where they live. They said something must be done to overcome violence. As many as 30 recommendations were made by the children on how to reduce or curb children-related violence in Haiti.

Children made 30 recommendations

Plan supported the forum in partnership with the Haitian coalition for the defence of the rights of the child (COHADE). Similar activities have taken place in the south-east and west of Haiti.

A summary of the overall recommendations from the areas where Plan works will be high on the agenda when the youths meet to mark the International Day against violence affecting children, on the 18-19th November 2006 in Port-au-Prince. A national action plan will then be launched.