The Rights of the Child Commission (RCC) is calling for an urgent review of child-protection systems following the recent deaths of two children: a six-year-old boy whose body was found in a canal and a three-year-old boy who died alongside his mother in a house fire.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the Commission called for thorough, impartial and timely investigations into both incidents, emphasising the need to respect due process, the presumption of innocence and the privacy and dignity of the affected families.

Beyond the investigations, the RCC said authorities should examine existing prevention and response mechanisms, including risk assessments, referral procedures, information-sharing among agencies and follow-up when concerns about a child’s safety arise.

To improve responses to such concerns, the Commission urged stronger coordination among the Childcare and Protection Agency, the Guyana Police Force, health and social services, educational institutions and other relevant agencies. It also called for greater public awareness of the need to report suspected child abuse, neglect and threats to children’s safety through the appropriate channels.

The RCC said effective protection also requires sustained investment in child-protection services, including professional social work, counselling, family support, parenting education and assistance for children and caregivers experiencing crises. It further called for authorities to identify systemic gaps, implement corrective measures and regularly assess whether interventions are preventing harm.

The Commission linked these measures to Guyana’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which the country ratified on January 14, 1991. Under the Convention, Guyana committed to respecting, protecting and fulfilling the rights of every child.
In particular, the RCC highlighted Article 3, which states that the best interests of the child must be a primary consideration in all actions concerning children.
The Commission stressed that safeguarding children is a shared responsibility of the State, families, communities, civil society and individual citizens. While parents and caregivers have a fundamental duty to protect children, it said, institutions must be equipped to identify risks and intervene when necessary.

Extending condolences to the bereaved families, the RCC urged a coordinated, evidence-informed response to the deaths, including support for those affected and practical measures to prevent similar tragedies.
It said every child has the right to life, safety, dignity and development, and called for those rights to be reflected in concrete action.