In a decisive move to better protect the nation’s most vulnerable, stakeholders from across Saint Lucia gathered on November 11, 2025, to help shape theNational System for the Comprehensive Protection of Children and Adolescents (NSCPCA),a transformative framework designed to strengthen coordination, accountability, and policy coherence in child protection.
The consultative meeting, held at the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment, brought together representatives from government ministries, civil society, and international partners to discuss participation in the NSCPCA and its related governance bodies: the National Child Protection Steering Committee (NCPSC) and the Child Rights Advisory and Observatory Mechanism.
Once operational, the NSCPCA will provide a unified platform for collaboration among all entities working to promote and protect the rights of children and adolescents. It aligns with Saint Lucia’s commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and supports national efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Equity, Dr. Charmaine Hippolyte-Emmanuel, described the meeting as a critical step in establishing a coordinated, multisectoral framework for child protection. “The NSCPCA will bring together all sectors involved in the care and development of children,” she said. “Our goal is to ensure that every child is protected, engaged, and able to access education and healthcare. This process is about shared responsibility, working collectively with our partners to create the right conditions for children to thrive.”
Dr. Hippolyte-Emmanuel further announced that the official launch of the NSCPCA will take place on November 19 & 20, 2025, in observance of World Children’s Day. Activities leading up to the launch will include a children’s march and a church service in Vieux Fort, a youth gathering in La Bayee, Bexon, and a cultural showcase in Massade, Gros Islet, featuring songs, drama, and poetry centered on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Commenting on the engaging dialogue was Dr. Lorraine Nicholas, United Nations Country Coordinator for Saint Lucia. She hailed the commissioning of the NSCPCA as a move in the right direction, one that will advance child rights protection. “The United Nations is proud to support this important initiative,” Dr. Nicholas stated. “As we prepare to mark Human Rights Day, it is encouraging to see Saint Lucia strengthen its commitment to children’s rights, ensuring that every child has the right to learn, to survive, and to be protected.”
Dr. Brittney Dalson, Community Pediatrician with the Ministry of Health, Wellness & Elderly Affairs, commended the meeting for fostering collaboration among key agencies. “This was a very engaging and well-structured discussion,” Dr. Dalson observed. “We look forward to deepening partnerships across ministries and sectors to advance the best interests of Saint Lucia’s children and adolescents. The establishment of this committee marks a major step toward making that vision a reality.”
Participants were invited to share their perspectives to ensure the new system reflects an inclusive and practical approach to child protection and development. The Ministry of Equity, along with civil society partners, is also preparing to commemorate International Children’s Day on November 19 and 20, 2025, through a series of activities across the island.
