PARAMARIBO – Social Affairs and Housing (Sozavo) Minister Ines Pane on Thursday responded indifferently when asked about the recent reports of child abuse that is taking place in several children’s homes.

She repeatedly made it clear that the children’s homes can only be inspected after the councils of supervision have been installed. “Until that time there is very little that the ministry can do about the situation because it has received little to no evidence from the victims who reported the abuse. The story of a woman who shared her traumatic experiences recently went viral. Multiple people then came forward and confirmed that they were also abused and assaulted when they were younger and staying in a children’s time.

 Although the Inspection Division of  Sozavo is tasked with enforcing the law to protect the children, its operations are not on the desired level. Reports indicate that some children are burnt with boiling water and are also abused sexually but the watchdog has failed to protect these children. A growing number of victims, parents, foreign interns and former employees are stepping forward to share their stories but officials do not believe their statements and even fail to launch investigations to uncover the truth.