A Call for Shared Responsibility and Urgent Action to Protect Our Children

The problem of child neglect, abuse and sexual harassment — which has periodically surfaced in our country for many years without a lasting, effective solution — has once again become one of society's most pressing issues following recent distressing events.

As the Cyprus Turkish Pediatric Association, for more than fifteen years we have carried out scientific work, training and institutional initiatives centred on prioritising children's safety: preventing child abuse, recognising it early, managing it correctly, and effectively protecting children. Throughout this work, we have contributed as child health specialists to numerous initiatives at the level of the Parliament, the Presidency, relevant ministries, the Social Services Department and the European Union.

Last week, at an online evaluation panel we organised with the participation of specialists in pediatrics, child psychiatry and pediatric surgery, the current situation in our country was examined from every angle. The panel concluded that, while some partial institutional progress has been made in combating child abuse, the existing structure does not adequately protect children and urgent improvements are needed.

In particular, the absence of a Child Monitoring Centre, the shortage of police officers specially trained to interview children and of multidisciplinary child-protection teams, shortcomings in judicial processes, the need to strengthen social service capacity, and legal regulations that have yet to be completed to meet current needs were identified as the most significant problem areas.

The panel also reiterated that child abuse is not solely a matter for the health system, but a multidimensional societal problem requiring joint action from justice, education, social services, police, local government, media and civil society. Protecting children is not an individual responsibility, but a shared public one.

In this light, as the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Turkish Pediatric Association, we consider it necessary:

To establish, as soon as possible, a Child Monitoring Centre where all interviews are conducted once, by specialists, preventing children from being repeatedly put through judicial processes; to create a multidisciplinary child-protection system for joint action across all professions working with children; to provide specialised training for law-enforcement officers who interview children; to implement modern judicial practices that reduce secondary trauma by preventing children from giving repeated testimony; to complete, without delay, comprehensive legal regulations that meet current needs relating to children; and to hold a broadly attended national "Child Protection Round Table" with the participation of all relevant institutions.

It must not be forgotten that every day child abuse goes unaddressed harms not just one child, but the future of society as a whole. Taking the right steps today will protect our children now, and build a safer, healthier society for tomorrow.

As the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Turkish Pediatric Association, we respectfully inform the public that we will continue, with determination, to contribute to every scientific, practical, legal and societal effort centred on the best interests of our children, and to fulfil our responsibility in cooperation with all stakeholders.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Dr. Cemal Mert, MD.
Chairman