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Ombudsman with NGOs about the protection of children’s rights and prevention of violence against them

On 5 April 2023, Deputy Human Rights Ombudsman Dr Jože Ruparčič, responsible at the institution of the Human Rights Ombudsman for children’s rights, invited representatives of non-governmental organisations working in the field of protection of children’s rights and reducing violence against them for a meeting. The Ombudsman devotes special attention to children and young people since they are one of the vulnerable groups of citizens. This is a regular topic of the Ombudsman’s annual reports, and he brings these issues to public attention and addresses recommendations and proposals to competent bodies for changes and improvements to the existing situation. Dr Simona Drenik Bavdek, assistant Head of the Centre for Human Rights (Centre) at the Ombudsman, also participated at the meeting because the Centre is also active in the field of promotion and monitoring of children’s rights. The Centre is preparing an analysis of the existing situation about the detection of violence in primary and secondary schools and about human rights education in schools.

Dr Blaž Lenarčič, representative of the Science and Research Centre Koper, Dr Živa Humer from the Peace Institute, Polona Kovač, representative of Društvo Ključ, Andrej Motl, representative of Spletno oko, Tanja Povšič from Mestna Zveza prijateljev mladine Ljubljana, Danilo Koren, representative of Zveze za avtizem Slovenije, Anja Bohinec, representative of the National Institute of Public Health, and Tjaša Bertoncelj from Tom Telefon, which operates within Zveza prijateljev mladine Slovenije, participated at the meeting.

The Human Rights Ombudsman continuously stresses the zero tolerance to violence against children and young people and devotes special attention to peer violence. “Teachers and other expert consultants at schools must be empowered to timely recognise peer violence, which includes intimidation, tormenting, insulting, and social exclusion of weaker children by those who are stronger. During the pandemic, interactions moved on-line, which enabled a growth in violent, hostile, and indecent communication on the web. Children need to be educated about traps and dangers on the internet and social networks,” said Deputy Ombudsman Ruparčič.

The participants believe that the planned school system reform should effectively address prevention of peer violence as well as enhancing the education of children and young people about human rights and tolerance and respecting differences. In their opinion, digitalisation should include a discussion relating to questions of the safe use of the internet and new technologies. “Violence among young people is a social problem, while social inequality and personal circumstances can influence a child’s position, their social inclusion, personal strength, and educational options and success in school. Children with different personal circumstances, such as sex and religion, children of foreigners or migrants, children with special needs, and others can be additionally vulnerable,” added Dr Ruparčič.

The legal order of a country protects the dignity of an individual child and young person; nevertheless, the institution of the Human Rights Ombudsman notices in practice many challenges that remain before every child in Slovenia actually has his or her rights guaranteed. The significance of preventive workshops for children and young people, teachers, parents, and onlookers on violence was emphasised at the meeting.

The Human Rights Ombudsman was one of the first to support the establishment of a Barnahus (Children’s House), since he is aware of the fact that a child-friendly multidisciplinary and interinstitutional model for the treatment of sexual abuse victims and offering services to children who are victims or witnesses of violent crimes is absolutely necessary. “The Children’s House which is operational and treats first cases is a best practice example for the operation of a child-friendly justice system, which includes the speedy processing of cases.”

Participants emphasised the importance of speedy decision-making in all matters pertaining to the position and rights of children, primarily in healthcare and judicial proceedings. It is important that judges and other decision-makers in various proceedings seek the opinion of the child to which the matter pertains and consider this opinion in terms of the child’s age and maturity. Slovenia has been especially warned about this by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. At the Ombudsman, the institute of Children’s Advocacy also works to help children express their opinion. “In cases of child advocacy we find that the lack of court-appointed experts in family matters can lead to the violation of children’s rights, hence we expect those responsible to do everything necessary to eliminate the intolerable situation in the shortest possible time,” highlighted Deputy Ombudsman.

The meeting participants also stressed that any activity for the protection of children must be carried out with their best interest at the core, while keeping in mind that children are not solely an object of protection but active holders of rights.

 

 

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