You can’t sell your kids, says Yanis

SELLING children is illegal and morally wrong by nature and context of the country, an official says.
The acting executive director for the Office of Child and Family Services, Simon Yanis, said under the Lukautim Pikinini Act 2015: “A person who sells or intends to sell a child for his personal gain is guilty of an offence. While the penalty for this offence is imprisonment for a term not exceeding five (5) years.”
Yanis is appealing to the public that such incidents should be reported immediately to the authorities like police, welfare officer, courts, community leader, village courts, or village councillor so that necessary actions can be taken to protect the rights and interest of the child.
He also said the transaction of a child between the seller and the buyer was punishable in which both parties could be criminalised and imprisoned under the Lukautim Pikinini Act 2015.
Yanis is calling on parents, guardians and caregivers to know parental responsibilities under the Act.
“Meaning, parents are responsible for the welfare and wellbeing of their children, and any form of act that puts the child in danger or violates the child’s rights is an offence by law and is punishable,” Yanis said.