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CASTRIES, St. Lucia, June 28, 2017 — The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have deepened their partnership to advance the interest of the sub region’s children.
The two entities signed a five-year agreement, on Monday, which will see them jointly promoting child-centred programs across all OECS Member States.
Areas covered by the agreement span several sectors, including education, justice, child protection and social policies. Data collection on child-specific issues is also part of the agreement.
OECS Director General, Dr. Didicus Jules, and UNICEF Representative, Khin-Sandi Lwin, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective agencies.
Dr. Jules said that the agreement embodies the ongoing commitment of both organisations to safeguard the future of the region’s youth, through empowerment programs and data collection for development.
“As one of our key development partners, we share a common vision with UNICEF to ensure our youth are exposed to healthy atmospheres conducive to growth and optimal development.
“This is an opportunity to strengthen bonds as we work collaboratively to tackle the challenges facing many of the sub region’s youth,” Dr. Jules added.
Lwin, noting that this is the second multi-year agreement being signed by the agencies, said UNCIEF views the OECS Commission as a very important partner and key player in influencing the child rights agenda.
“We have some very positive and tangible results from our previous collaboration and I have no doubt that this renewed partnership will continue to put the children’s agenda high on the priority of all Member States,” Lwin added.
She highlighted some of the achievements of the past, as the OECS Model Child Bills, which several countries have adapted to reform and modernise their suite of child protection laws; the education digests which contain valuable data on the education sector; and the work in promoting quality early childhood development services.
