The Rights of the Child Commission (RCC), in partnership with UNICEF and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), has launched a National Child Protection Campaign titled “SEE. SAY. SAFE.”

The campaign is intended to strengthen public awareness on child safety. It also encourages early reporting of abuse.

In a report, the Ministry of Human Services had indicated that in 2024, there were 4,038 recorded cases of child abuse in Guyana. By February 2025, an additional 275 cases were recorded.

Just recently, the Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, disclosed that between 2020 and 2025 almost 600 pregnant teenage girls under the age of 16 were referred to the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA).

In a joint statement, RCC and UNICEF said the campaign aims to equip both children and adults with the knowledge needed to recognize and respond to unsafe situations as well as support the prevention of child sexual abuse.

Chairperson of the RCC, Aleema Nasir said the campaign will empower children to speak up against abuse.

“Many children who experience harm do not speak about it, often due to fear or uncertainty. This campaign is about ensuring that children feel safe to speak, and that adults are prepared to listen, respond appropriately and take action,” Nasir said.

As part of the campaign, the Rights of the Child Commission and UNICEF will use radio, television, social media, schools and communities to reach children and their families across the country.

It will help adults recognise the signs that a child is being abused and adopt protective practices, in order to better ensure children’s safety. Additionally, children would be taught about safe and unsafe behaviours even as the partners work to address stigma that often prevents disclosure.

UNICEF Child Protection Specialist in Guyana, Dr. Loria-Mae Heywood, said “when families and communities are informed and respond appropriately, children are safer. This campaign strengthens the link between awareness and action.”

Adding that early intervention plays a critical role in protecting children and supporting justice processes, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (ADPP) Teshana Lake, stressed the importance of prompt reporting of such serious matters to the Guyana Police Force.

“Timely reporting in Sexual Offences helps to preserve evidence and it allows survivors to receive timely support,” she said.

As part of the campaign, the public will also be invited to participate in a short anonymous survey online to help stakeholders better understand awareness levels and enhance child protection services.

The Rights of the Child Commission, UNICEF and the Office of the DPP along with key stakeholders are encouraging all members of the public to take part in the campaign by looking out for trigger signs that a child is being abused, listening to children, and reporting concerns to the appropriate authorities like the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) on the 914 hotline or the nearest police station.

“Protecting children is a shared responsibility. When we see, when we speak up, we help to keep children safe,” the RCC Chairperson said.

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