WILLEMSTAD - The Ministry of Social Development, Labor, and Welfare; Family and Youth Sector, in collaboration with the IVRK Platform, notes that bullying continues to increase in our community, primarily among our children and youth. We are aware that the consequences can be destructive and can even lead to fatal outcomes. It is important for our community to address and confront this issue while the government and interested groups work on structural ways to combat the problem.
We acknowledge that the time has come to stop and stand against bullying in all its forms; both personal bullying and that which occurs on social-digital platforms. The bully, the bystander, and the silent observer are all equally responsible for the harm inflicted on the victim, which can have long-lasting effects.
The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child is an identity of the United Nations, overseeing that countries that have ratified and signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child comply with it. For Curaçao, the Ministry of SOAW, along with its other governmental partners, bears the responsibility for protecting the rights of children.
One of the recommendations provided to Curaçao by the United Nations Committee is to eliminate bullying in schools and on social-digital platforms. These recommendations will be made public after the Kingdom reports on the implementation of children's rights in the Netherlands and the six Dutch Caribbean islands. With these recommendations ahead, the ministries on behalf of the government will continue to work to coordinate the implementation of these recommendations, ensuring that Curaçao complies with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
We recognize that there is a long way to go to ensure that every child in Curaçao grows up in a suitable environment that stimulates their development according to their own abilities. Addressing the issue, we are aware that we need to work harder on enhancing our children's ability to deal with disappointment, negative influence, peer pressure, exclusion (social), and negative experiences in their direct or indirect environment. Under the direct environment, we categorize family, school, and friends, while media (including social media), culture, and community fall under the indirect environment.
The Family and Youth Sector of the Ministry of SOAW, together with the IVRK Platform, has had a youth platform as a consulting partner for several years now, discussing topics of importance to children and youth. We are committed to engaging young people on issues like these, where they can delve deeper into the problem. With their opinions and contributions, we aim for a better-directed approach with sustainable solutions.
We recommend that all parents contact the Family and Youth Sector of the Ministry of SOAW for questions and/or concerns regarding the development of their children up to 24 years old at 724-5424 during office hours. The Family and Youth Sector of the Ministry of SOAW collaborates with various national and international organizations and can refer parents to the appropriate organization for assistance, including in cases of bullying.