Special Envoy Condemns Viral Orange Walk Carnival Incident

The Orange Walk Carnival is having a prolonged effect after a video of a young child and an adult at the parade went viral. The Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children has now issued a statement condemning what it describes as inappropriate adult conduct involving the child.  The office says public celebrations must be places where children can take part safely and with dignity. It stressed that adults are responsible for respecting children’s boundaries and should never place them in situations involving sexualized or otherwise inappropriate behaviour.  It is also concerned that the incident was recorded and shared online as entertainment. The office is urging social media users to consider the harm that circulating such content can cause to a child.  The Special Envoy’s Office is calling on carnival and other event organizers to set clear child protection rules and have a way to respond when those rules are breached. It is also encouraging parents, schools and youth groups to teach children about personal boundaries.  The statement says the child must not be blamed for an adult’s actions.