Locking down children for 2 weeks a violation of rights –UNICEF

Prohibiting minors from going outside for two weeks to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be considered an infringement of children’s rights, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) said Friday.

"UNICEF acknowledges the efforts put in place by the Government of the Philippines to control the recent surge in COVID-19 infections," the UN agency said in its statement.

"However, the recent decision of the Metro Manila Council, through the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, to explicitly prohibit minors from going outside for a period of two weeks, in a bid to contain the transmission of the virus in the metropolis, can be considered an infringement of children’s rights."

“[The Metro Manila Council and MMDA] should respond to the best interest of the child; should not cause further harm; and should always consider the preservation of the child’s wellbeing and dignity,” it said.

“As the pandemic enters its second year, the impact on children and young people’s psycho-social wellbeing and mental health risks is taking a toll,” it added.

Minors were prohibited from going outdoors in the National Capital Region starting Wednesday amid rising COVID-19 cases.

However, UNICEF stressed that the lockdowns have taken a toll on the children.

It said that children had been separated from their extended families and friends due to the pandemic, adding that abused children have been stuck at home with their abusers.

Citing the World Health Organization, the UNICEF said 93 percent of critical mental health services were disrupted worldwide while the demand for mental health support was increasing.

It also cited a study that found that 16 percent of respondents from 194 cities in China reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms during the pandemic while 28 percent reported moderate to severe anxiety symptoms.

UNICEF said the data also showed that half of all mental disorders develop between 15-years-old while 75 percent develop by early adulthood.

Meanwhile, young people are the majority of the 800,000 individuals who die by suicide every year, while the third leading cause of death among children from 15 to 19 was self-harm.

“Children and their communities should be consulted and an evidence-based rationale for measures that affect them, should be developed and communicated transparently,” it said.

“We need to take into full account the needs and rights of children, while we continue to protect them and all members of the public, from the increased risk of COVID-19 infections,” it added.

UNICEF urged the Metro Manila Council to issue a resolution allowing children to play sports and physical activities in outdoor areas, provided that health measures are being followed.

It cited guidelines issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases that allow children to exercise and perform non-contact sports activities.

Despite this call, UNICEF earlier acknowledged the efforts of the government to control the virus.

The Philippines reported 648,066 confirmed COVID-19 cases, of which 561,902 have recovered and 12,900 have died. — DVM, GMA News