Unicef condemns child on leash incident

THE United Nations Children’s Fund expressed serious concern on a recent viral Facebook photo of a young boy who was put on leash by his mother.

In a statement, it said that this was “a gross violation of his rights and dignity.”

“We condemn in the strongest terms this incident that clearly violated a young child’s rights, well-being and dignity,” said Unicef Philippines representative Lotta Sylwander.

The 18-month-old boy was rescued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development from his parents in Bataan and has taken temporary custody.

The child will undergo a medical examination, and both the mother and the child will undergo psychological assessment.

The mother has already apologized on Facebook and said she regretted posting the photos online. She said she loves her son very much and it was not her intention to hurt him.

The mother would still be allowed to visit her son for breastfeeding.

“Children have the right to protection under international and national laws. It is incumbent upon parents, adults, the state and all others stakeholders to ensure children are protected from abuse, violence and neglect and are nurtured in an environment for care and development,” Swylander said.

She also cited the Article 19 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which the Philippine government has ratified. It mandates that all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures must be done to protect children from any form of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation; while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.

It also commended the DSWD for the immediate actions and investigation that it initiated.