Pacific Games organisers held a child risk workshop alongside UNICEF in the build-up to this year's event in the Solomon Islands ©Pacific Games

Organisers of the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands held a child risk workshop alongside the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

The two-day training course was designed to educate security firms and supervisors, medical team officials and volunteer team leaders in child protection and safeguarding issues.

UNICEF’s child protection officer Sonya Mara said the training would help raise awareness about the reporting mechanism for child protection and gender-based violence in Games venues, the Athletes Village and other sites.

All volunteers for the Pacific Games are required to undertake child protection training prior to the event ©Pacific Games
All volunteers for the Pacific Games are required to undertake child protection training prior to the event ©Pacific Games

As part of the Organising Committee’s code of conduct all volunteers for the Pacific Games need to receive training in how to respond to any child protection issues that may arise during the event.

This year’s Pacific Games are due to take place at Honiara from November 19 to December 2.

More than 5,000 people have applied to volunteer at the Pacific Games, with 3,000 due to be chosen.