Stalled action over child abuse

The lack of thoroughness, negligence and total lack of empathy in the case of abuses committed against children and adolescents in shelters under the tutelage of the National Secretariat for Children, Adolescents and the Family (Senniaf) is something that escapes all understanding. That at this point – when more than half a year has passed since the first cases were discovered – the Ministry of Social Development goes to the Public Ministry to file a criminal complaint, is simply unheard of. How is it possible to be so careless with an issue that has produced horror in Panamanian society? The first who has had to demand a thorough and in-depth investigation to find those responsible for these abuses is the President of the Republic, but he has done little or nothing in that direction. Since January nothing has changed to the point that now there are new reports of abuse. What is shameful is that the Senniaf announced last February – in a statement – that it “reaffirms its commitment to guaranteeing the well-being” of children and described as “events of the past” what the victims of abuse have experienced. But, as we can see, everything remained the same. The incompetence and laziness of this government is unparalleled. – LA PRENSA. Aug. 25.