Cap. 462 Art. 9Functions of the Commissioner.

The Commissioner shall have the following functions:

(a) to promote and advocate for the rights and interests of

(c) to promote the protection of family unity;

(d) to advocate for adequate support to parents for the up-bringing of their children;

(e) to foster the development of alternative care to children who need such care with special reference to fostering and adoption;

(f) to seek to ensure that the rights and interests of children are properly taken into account by government departments, local authorities, other public bodies and voluntary and public organisations when decisions on policies affecting children are taken;

(g) to promote the protection of children from physical or mental harm and neglect, including sexual abuse or exploitation;

(h) to promote the highest standards of health and social services for women during pregnancy and to promote special care and protection, including adequate legal protection, for children both before and after birth;

(i) to promote the highest standards of health, and education and social services for children;

(j) to promote the highest standards of leisure, play and recreational facilities for children;

(k) to ensure that all possible measures are taken by the relevant authorities to prevent and remedy poverty and social exclusion among children;

(l) to promote compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as ratified by Malta and with such other international treaties, conventions or agreements relating to children as are or may be ratified or otherwise acceded to by Malta.