
PARAMARIBO – The recent publication of pictures and footage of a suspected victim of a sex crime on social media has once again placed the spotlight on the vulnerable position of children in...

such cases. The Public Prosecutor’s Office issued a press release to emphasize the importance of protection for the rights and privacy of children. It also made it clear that it is important for everybody to stay aware of the local and international laws that protect children’s rights and privacy. Article 16 of the Children’s Rights Treaty clearly states that children are entitled to privacy and protection against any violation of this privacy but that they are also entitled to respect for their human dignity. This means that the identity of the victims as well as the suspects may not be made public especially if that could Harm their wellbeing or their chances at recovery. The publication of footage or information of children in the media must therefore take place with the utmost care. It is essential for the media, any other agency that is involved and the public to remain aware of the impact that such publications could have on the physical as well as the emotional wellbeing of underage people. The Public Prosecutor’s Office pointed out that protecting the privacy of victims and suspects is not only a legal requirement but also a moral obligation.

