Parents seek comfort from hope that good will come of death
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"One day victory will come to the children", Berthe Climbié sang yesterday, explaining why she had chosen to perform "Song for Young People", her daughter's favourite, at the release of Lord Laming's report. She voiced hope the lessons of Victoria's death might save others abandoned by those supposed to protect them.
Mrs Climbié and her husband, Francis, spoke movingly of their sadness at the casual mistakes and negligence of officials and their bewilderment at how the "safety net" had failed. But they were also there to celebrate Victoria's life.
The colours were of Victoria's former life in Ivory Coast. The Climbiés sat in front of a red and black banner on a platform in the Queen Elizabeth II conference centre in Westminster, central London.
"As a mother, I'm here to talk about Victoria and the images she left with us. Every Sunday we used to pray, but before we prayed we liked to sing among those present," Mrs Climbié said. "Victoria always used to sing this particular song, a song for children. I would like to share this song with you."
Mr Climbié explained why the couple had sent their daughter to Europe with her great-aunt, Marie-Thérèse Kouao, at such a young age. "I will quote from a French poet 'You need not be old in order to be wise','' Mr Climbié said.
"Like any normal parent, we wanted success for our children. Victoria came to the United Kingdom in order to get a better education. Unfortunately the great-auntie did not assume her responsibility."
Earlier, the Climbiés were in the House of Commons to listen to Alan Milburn's statement on the inquiry report. "The meeting we had with him was very positive. It sounds like they have decided to do something about child protection in this country," Mr Climbié said. "Mr Milburn apologised personally and on behalf of his government and asked us what we would like him to do for us." Mr Climbié said he had asked for help for a school the pair have set up at home in Ivory Coast.
The Climbiés said that one of the most painful aspects of their daughter's death was the failure of anyone in officialdom to accept responsibility.
"We are happy that some of the officers involved in this case have been sacked. But we are not satisfied, because just by sacking the lower rank the problems are not going to disappear. How about the people at the top?" he said.