CASTRIES, St. Lucia, Jun 28, CMC – The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has signed a five-year agreement with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to jointly promote child-centred programmes in the sub-region.

Under the agreement signed by OECS Director General, Dr. Didicus Jules, and UNICEF Representative, Khin-Sandi Lwin, the two organisations will cooperate on a number of activities including education, justice, child protection and social policies.

Data collection on child-specific issues is also part of the agreement.

Jules said that the agreement embodies the ongoing commitment of both organisations to safeguard the future of the region’s youth through empowerment programmes and data collection for development.

“As one of our key development partners, we share a common vision with UNICEF to ensure our youth are exposed to healthy atmospheres conducive to growth and optimal development.”

 “This is an opportunity to strengthen bonds as we work collaboratively to tackle the challenges facing many of the sub region’s youth,” he added.

Lwin said that this is the second multi-year agreement being signed with the OECS Commission and UNCIEF views the St. Lucia-based organisation as a very important partner and key player in influencing the child rights agenda.

“We have some very positive and tangible results from our previous collaboration and I have no doubt that this renewed partnership will continue to put the children’s agenda high on the priority of all member states,” she said, highlighting some of the past achievements as the OECS Model Child Bills, which several countries have adapted to reform and modernise their suite of child protection laws as well as the work in promoting quality early childhood development services.