By Richard Powell BBC News Online

Moor Juham, spokesperson for Francis and Berthe Climbie and co-ordinator of the Family Foundation, told BBC News Online that whilst the parents welcomed an independent children's commissioner, the position's role and responsibilities were too vague.

"They feel the idea itself is good and if the issue of accountability is sorted out that it can work, and the commissioner could play a great role in the child protection arena - but at present, the role and responsibilities need to be clarified," he said.

Victoria Climbie suffered horrendous abuse from her carers

The Climbies were also "very concerned" about the government's withdrawal of plans for a National Agency for Children and Families, Mr Juham explained.

"They strongly believe after their experience in the public inquiry the reason for the failure is the lack of communication and structure in the multi-agency approach.

"A national agency would have brought the kind of structure needed so agencies could work together properly," he said.

Shocked

Earlier in the day, the Climbies had issued a statement cautiously welcoming the government's plans.

Francis and Berthe Climbie said from their home in Ivory Coast: "We believe the UK Government has made considerable progress in ensuring that children's welfare is given greater prominence.

"During the inquiry into Victoria's death however, we were shocked to find that managers had failed to take their responsibilities towards the children in their care seriously enough.

They are grateful for the government's efforts, but every time Victoria's name is mentioned it is still very hard for the family to digest Moor Juham, family spokesman

"We now hope to see a clear system of accountability established - leading up to the prime minister - to ensure all concerned with child welfare accept their responsibilities.

"Although we hoped that all of Lord Laming's recommendations would be honoured in the green paper, we have now seen that the government will not be establishing the National Agency for Children and Families. We are concerned by this omission."

The couple said they were trying to raise funds to build a primary school in their home town.

They hoped this would enable children, including Victoria's five-year-old sister Joelle, to benefit from education locally without the need to travel to countries like Britain.

Minister for Children, Margaret Hodge, telephoned Mr and Mrs Climbie on Monday.

She apologised to them for the mistakes that had been made in Victoria's case.

Legal challenge

"It was a very emotional call for the Climbies," said Mr Juham, who translated the conversation between the minister and parents.

"They are grateful for the government's efforts, but every time Victoria's name is mentioned in these circumstances it is still very hard for the family to digest," he said.

The Climbies plan to visit the UK at the end of the month to publicise the cause and to pursue legal claims arising from their daughter's death.

Mr Juham said the legal proceedings were "intended to get the managers of the agencies involved to take responsibility for their actions".

He added: "Whatever finance they gain from the civil action will probably go towards [the] school."