Strengthening comprehensive systems for protecting children's rights at the forefront of discussions in Vienna
Deputy Ombudsman Dr. Jože Ruparčič attended a two-day consultation meeting entitled Strengthening Integrated Child Protection Systems , organized by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) in cooperation with the European Network of Ombudspersons for Children (ENOC). The event brought together child rights ombudsmen, representatives of European institutions, and experts from various fields with the aim of strengthening integrated child protection systems in European Union member states.
In his contribution, Dr. Jože Ruparčič emphasized that children are one of the most vulnerable groups in society, which is why effective and well-connected child protection systems are the foundation for the early detection of violence, abuse, and neglect, as well as for the rapid and professional response of the competent institutions. He pointed out that such systems not only protect individual children, but also contribute in the long term to creating a safe environment, strengthening trust in society, and increasing the responsibility of the state and the community to respect children's rights.
In his lecture, he placed particular emphasis on violence against children on the internet. He warned that the digital space is increasingly becoming an integral part of children's everyday lives, which, in addition to numerous opportunities, also brings serious risks, such as online harassment, exploitation, abuse, and exposure to harmful content. According to him, effective combating of online violence is only possible through coordinated action by parents, educational institutions, the state, technology companies, and the general public. He emphasized the importance of preventive programs, awareness-raising, and education, as well as the need to address the causes of online violence, with open and trusting communication between adults and children playing a key role.
At the meeting, participants also discussed the European legislative and political framework for the comprehensive protection of children, the application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights to the protection of children, the results of research on the functioning of child protection systems in Europe, and promising practices from Member States. Particular attention was paid to cross-sectoral cooperation, data collection, institutional responsibilities, reforms of legal and policy frameworks, the importance of child participation in the design of protection systems, and issues of peer violence, both online and in schools, as well as next steps for implementing effective and coherent child protection systems.
In his contribution, Dr. Jože Ruparčič emphasized that children are one of the most vulnerable groups in society, which is why effective and well-connected child protection systems are the foundation for the early detection of violence, abuse, and neglect, as well as for the rapid and professional response of the competent institutions. He pointed out that such systems not only protect individual children, but also contribute in the long term to creating a safe environment, strengthening trust in society, and increasing the responsibility of the state and the community to respect children's rights.
In his lecture, he placed particular emphasis on violence against children on the internet. He warned that the digital space is increasingly becoming an integral part of children's everyday lives, which, in addition to numerous opportunities, also brings serious risks, such as online harassment, exploitation, abuse, and exposure to harmful content. According to him, effective combating of online violence is only possible through coordinated action by parents, educational institutions, the state, technology companies, and the general public. He emphasized the importance of preventive programs, awareness-raising, and education, as well as the need to address the causes of online violence, with open and trusting communication between adults and children playing a key role.
At the meeting, participants also discussed the European legislative and political framework for the comprehensive protection of children, the application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights to the protection of children, the results of research on the functioning of child protection systems in Europe, and promising practices from Member States. Particular attention was paid to cross-sectoral cooperation, data collection, institutional responsibilities, reforms of legal and policy frameworks, the importance of child participation in the design of protection systems, and issues of peer violence, both online and in schools, as well as next steps for implementing effective and coherent child protection systems.
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