The Commissioner for Children held a meeting on Tuesday, in order to introduce and discuss the mission and vision for a proposed Platform for Children, which is a recent initiative stemming from the Office of the Commissioner for Children. The initiative arose from the need that was felt for a Platform incorporating all civil society entities who work for and with children in various sectors, providing a service to children in some way.

The Commissioner gave a brief outline of the mission of her Office, stating that one of the primary functions of the Office is to work in the best interests of the child, and for these interests to be safeguarded according to the principles enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. As a signatory to this Convention since 1990, Malta has entered into a commitment to observe and comply with these principles. One of the primary functions of the Commissioner for Children in this regard is to promote compliance with the UN Convention. The Commissioner stressed that this responsibility should be seen as a shared responsibility amongst civil society entities working with and for children, in order for the Convention to be adequately implemented and promoted at all levels.

The Commissioner said that although there are a substantial number of these entities working in this field, necessary information and resources are not always available when needed. At times there is an overlapping and duplication of efforts and resources, gaps in issues that remain to be addressed, as well as an overall lack of awareness on initiatives being taken by other similar entities. For this reason, it is vital that there is improved co-ordination and co-operation amongst the entities concerned, in pooling resources where possible and exchanging examples of good practice with one another. In this respect, the Platform for Children is intended to provide opportunities for networking amongst entities involved, in co-ordinating efforts and working in the best interests of children. The Commissioner for Children also drew attention to current policies and strategies involving children on a national level, and made reference to the potential of the Platform to raise awareness and react to, as well as promote, policies affecting children.