Stop Huge Delays In Child Maintenance

  • by: Barbara Britz
  • recipient: US Office of Child Support Enforcement International

I have battled to build a life for my son where his interests can best be furthered, This battle has seen me through in excess of three years of legal wrangling with the US. It is crucial that my son's father commit to his legal and moral responsibilities which have been validated by a paternity test.

Convention on the Rights of the Child (Article 3)

1. In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration.

2. States Parties undertake to ensure the child such protection and care as is necessary for his or her well-being, taking into account the rights and duties of his or her parents, legal guardians, or other individuals legally responsible for him or her, and, to this end, shall take all appropriate legislative and administrative measures.

It is respectfully submittled that forcing a single mother of very limited means to harangue for the legal and moral rights of her child for a period in excess of three years is not in accordance with this convention.

It is respectfully submitted that allowing a case to be repeatedly delayed and dismissed after a year on the grounds of the father being sued from the wrong state compromises the best interests and emotional security of the child. Why could such an objection not have been raised a year earlier?

It is respectfully submitted that settlements cannot be managed on the impoverished state the mother finds herself in after such a battle.

I believe that my case is relatively unique given the following factors:
As of May this year I am without external support of either a filial or government nature,
I raised this little boy during the dissolution of life as I knew it i.e. the changing economic fortunes of a newly independent Africa.
I have never been able to afford my own legal counsel and under the terms of my visa I do not qualify for legal aid.

Mothers fight for opportunities for their children - they kick windows in and break down doors to let in just a glimmer of light,  That is just what mothers do.

Please intervene to curtail the massive wait that we have had to endure for the child maintenance which is an international legal and moral duty. Making every excuse for another delay and dragging this case on through the years is not treating mothers with the requisite dignity and respect stipulated by the human rights charter, .

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