A courtesy meeting by SVSG’s Ambassador for Children’s Rights Afioga Toleafoa Father Leatuao Larry Tupai-Lavea, with the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration, highlighted the pivotal role the Ministry plays in ensuring that justice is served for the children victims. The meeting was held at the Ministry’s Conference Room this week and was attended by the management of the Ministry.
The Ambassador acknowledged the collaboration between the Ministry of Justice and SVSG over the years, specifically around safeguarding children as victims and witnesses at the Courts. He reiterated the importance of considering and utilizing Special Measures for children to give evidence, and the safe space provided by the SVSG Office as allocated by the Courts.
SVSG’s role in applying for Interim Protection Orders for abused children was also discussed, and how the current process can be improved to ensure that the Orders are served on time, for the legal protection that it provides for the children.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Justice & Courts Administration, Afioga Papalii John Taimalelagi acknowledged the support services provided by SVSG, not only for the victims through to the Supreme Court, but also in the work of the Family Court. This is through offenders of violence referred by the Family Court to SVSG’s rehabilitative counseling program, for men, women, and youth. According to Papalii “There is a high recognition by the Family Court of the rehabilitative counseling program delivered by SVSG due to the low re-offending rate of the participants to the Program, since the Family Court started in 2023.”
The SVSG Ambassador for Children’s Rights expressed his appreciation to the CEO of the Ministry for the meeting and for coordinating the management team to be part of the courtesy call. “Thank you Papalii for a welcoming reception and a constructive Talanoa session. We look forward to continuing our work together for the children of hope, and at-risk children in the community.” Toleafoa Father Leatuao Larry Tupai-Lavea.
