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Today, UNICEF, NCFC and the Belize Family Life Association put out strong statements on all the recent child violence - which has left two shot, one dead, and one critical.    UNICEF says “These children were betrayed by adults in the community. As adults, it is our duty to do everything in our power to protect children and encourage them to grow and be the best that they can be. For too many children in Belize in the last few months, this has not happened and children have been tragically hurt and some have lost their lives due to gun violence, physical abuse and sexual violence.”

“Violence against children is unacceptable. We all have a duty to end it. UNICEF implores every member of the community in Belize to stand with us to respect and protect children and their first and most basic human right – the right to life.”

The NCFC says, quote,  “NCFC and the Nation laments the unfortunate circumstances of the allegation of a 17 month child this is truly outrageous…..The National Committee for Families and Children condemns all sexually explicit acts, especially of this atrocious nature,….NCFC calls on the Central Authority, Police Department, Churches, Civil Society, NGO’s and the Community as a whole to denounce this horrible state of affairs where our children are constantly being taken advantage of.”

And the BFLA says, it is, quote, “outraged by the disturbing reports of the vicious rape of a 17 month old girl. While this should be a time to celebrate the critical roles the family and society play in the positive development, education and protection of our children, we are instead faced with the horrific realities that many of our children suffer at the hands of adults, the very people who on a daily basis they are taught to respect. The act of destroying the innocence of our children, especially through sexual violence, must not be tolerated. We must be angry enough to demand that the necessary actions be taken by those whose duty it is to do so.”