WILLEMSTAD - In a significant development for child protection, the European Convention known as the Lanzarote Convention, which aims to safeguard children from sexual abuse and exploitation, will be extended to Curaçao.
Dutch Minister of Justice and Security, David van Weel (VVD), addressed parliamentary inquiries from member Ingrid Michon-Derkzen (VVD) regarding the implementation of this important treaty following his recent working visit to Curaçao and Bonaire.
During the discussions, Michon-Derkzen sought clarity on how the Lanzarote Convention would be implemented in Curaçao. She also raised questions about the introduction of the National Forensic Institute Act, designating the NFI as the Central Authority responsible for enforcing the provisions of the Convention.
Minister van Weel confirmed that an assessment is currently underway to determine whether the NFI can fulfill this role for Curaçao as well. “Once this assessment is complete, the application of the Convention can be extended to Curaçao,” he stated.
The extension of the Lanzarote Convention is expected to bolster efforts in protecting children on the island and to enhance collaboration with the Netherlands in combating child abuse and exploitation.