New situation analysis of children in Sint Maarten

Global picture

In recent years, progress has been made on Sint Maarten on children's rights, including a child abuse reporting code, the criminal offense of child abuse, the revision of juvenile criminal law and the establishment of a facility for juvenile offenders, the Miss Lalie center. Vaccination rates are high and virtually all children, including undocumented children, have access to primary education. There are advanced policy plans on major issues that have yet to be approved. Hurricanes and political instability have slowed down these processes.

The study shows that violence against children, sexual abuse and the mental well-being of young people are important children's rights issues on Sint Maarten. These challenges have been exacerbated by hurricanes in 2017. The effects of the current COVID-19 crisis made the situation even more complex. 

Read the complete report or the summary with recommendations.