Mary Clarke, Children's Advocate, gets a hug from a child attending the Jamaica AIDS Support (JAS) back-to-school luncheon for children infected or affected by HIV at the JAS offices in St. Andrew on Tuesday. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Children need to be taught how to protect themselves from abuse, Mary Clarke, Children's Advocate, said on Tuesday.

She was making reference to a 15-year-old girl who was infected with HIV, after being abused by her mother's boyfriend.

"We need to encourage children to report abuse and also strengthen the witness protection programmes to prevent further harm to children," Mrs. Clarke argued.

The Children's Advocate was speaking at a back-to-school luncheon for children with HIV held at the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL) headquarters at four Upper Musgrave Avenue, St. Andrew.

According to Mrs. Clarke, there needs to be more support from the corporate world to assist children living with HIV.

"The Victims' Charter can't come soon enough," she stressed.

Addressing the children at the luncheon, Mrs. Clarke said that more persons with a vision such as the JASL are needed to help save the children and the descendants of these children.

Accountability

She pointed out that children with HIV should not be discriminated against in schools. As such she is appealing to all educational institutions to know the policies that protect children with HIV and the right to education.

"All schools will be held accountable if they break the policies, including private schools," she said.

AnnMarie Dobson, chairperson for the treat, said the event was organised for the children as there has been little focus on children living with or affected by HIV during the back to school events. Children were given financial support as well as several back-to-school items including books, pencils and uniforms.