The Platform for Children, an initiative stemming from the Commissioner for Children, was officially launched on the 12th of October 2009. The initiative arose from the need for a Platform incorporating all civil society entities who work for and with children in various sectors, providing a service to children or working for their rights in some way.

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 organizations. 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 organizations involved, in co-ordinating efforts and working in the best interests of children. The Platform will also provide the opportunity for groups working for and with children to speak as a unified voice on matters of concern in this sector.

The terms of reference for the Platform for Children, as decided upon by the entities involved, incorporate the aim of the Platform to “advocate on behalf of children to the various authorities, and act in the interest of children in every aspect of society.” In this spirit, the Platform for Children will immediately set to work on lobbying for the effective promotion of children’s rights, an issue which unites the entities involved with the Platform for Children. The Platform will strive to place children’s rights on the national agenda, mainly by ensuring a holistic and child-centred approach within policy, practice and legislation.

The Platform for Children is currently made up of representatives from Inspire (Eden Foundation and Razzett tal-Hbiberija), the People for Change Foundation, Gift of Life, the Malta Unborn Child Movement, Kopin (Kooperazzjoni Internazzjonali), Equal Partners Foundation, the Daniel Delicata Memorial Association, Central Office ‘Ejjew Ghandi’ (Churches Homes), and Caritas Malta.

Expressions of interest from other NGO’s working in the field are welcome, in order to strengthen and add value and expertise to the Platform in various fields concerning the well-being of children. The current members of the Platform strongly encourage similar organizations to contact the Commissioner for Children’s Office on 21 485180 or sharon.a.attard@gov.mt.

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