Source: Children’s Commissioner
“The reality is that children – often very young children – are dying in our country by homicide. We can’t let it happen anymore.”
That’s the stark message shared today by Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad, as she launches a nationwide advocacy campaign focused on preventing all forms of child maltreatment (physical, sexual, emotional abuse, exposure to domestic violence, and neglect).
“Child homicide is an issue that has required my attention since day one in the role. Abuse, violence and neglect are part of the daily reality for thousands of children in our country. But this is completely preventable,” says Dr Achmad.
“That’s why I’m using the platform I have as Children’s Commissioner, together with my team at Mana Mokopuna, to start a nationwide conversation that I want to lead to action – so that all our mokopuna can grow up safely.”
The Dear Children campaign brings focus, urgency, and collective responsibility to what she says is a problem we can and must solve as a nation. Its launch, ahead of the summer holidays, is intentional.
“Tragically, last summer holidays, two children were killed by homicide. Going into this time of year, I want New Zealanders to be aware that child abuse is a problem in our country, and to commit to looking out for children.”
Despite decades of attention, many cases of child harm go unreported or unaddressed often due to systemic gaps, stigma, a lack of support for families and parents, and people looking away. International data from 2023 showed New Zealand had one of the highest rates of deaths of children under five compared with similar countries, about three times higher than Australia.
At the heart of the campaign is a letter the Children’s Commissioner has written directly to our nation’s 1.23 million children, in which she affirms ‘you have the right to be safe.’ To the adults reading, she’s saying ‘A child’s right to safety is something we adults should protect fiercely – and I’m asking you to play your part.’
“My request of all adults in our country is to sign this letter alongside me. Together, let’s send children a crystal clear message: they are precious to us and we will do better by them, so they are all growing up safe.
“Join me in creating a ripple effect of real change. Please visit dearchildren.co.nz to sign the letter alongside me, share it with your community and reflect on the things, small and large, that you can do to play your part in keeping our nation’s children safe, well and thriving. Let’s show New Zealand’s children we won’t accept any of them being harmed anymore.”
Notes
Find the campaign including shareable resources and sign the letter at www.dearchildren.co.nz
Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad is the independent advocate for all children under the age of 18 in Aotearoa New Zealand and children and young people under 25 who have been in or who are in care and/or custody. As Children’s Commissioner, Dr Achmad leads the team at Mana Mokopuna – Children’s Commissioner, an independent Crown entity.
Mana Mokopuna | Children’s Commissioner advocates for the best interests of all children and young people in Aotearoa New Zealand and looks to ensure all of their rights are respected and upheld. This email is confidential. If it is not intended for you please do not read, distribute or copy it or any attachments. Please notify the sender by return email and delete the original message and any attachments. Any views expressed in this email may be those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of Mana Mokopuna | Children’s Commissioner.
