Varuh ДЌlovekovih pravic

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ČP

Joint statement of the South East European children's rights Ombudspersons' network

 

Universal Children’s Day, celebrated on 20th November, the date when the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of a Child, is an occasion for members of the South East European Children’s Rights Ombudspersons’ Network to call on the authorities of their respective countries to adopt measures for the protection of the most vulnerable categories of children, and prevent the undesirable effects of antirecession measures on the interests of such children.  

Many children in South and East Europe live in poverty. Times of recession and crises directly impact the quality of life of children and endanger a number of their rights, including the right to survival and development.

Therefore, it is important to reiterate to the governments of South Eastern Europe  not to save on children and reduce means and programmes designed to improve the position of children in society, and remind them once again that the best interests of children have to be our common priority in all areas of activity.

The Convention on the Rights of a Child is not just a list of good wishes.  It is a binding document. This means that both the state and society are obliged to find possibilities for more effective protection of the rights and interests of children, as well as to broaden the possibilities for their active inclusion and participation in society.

Investment in children produce long-term effects.  It is an investment in the future, which means we are committed to provide children with the best attention, love and care, and effective assistance as they grow.  

Therefore, we call on the states of South East Europe, in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of a Child, to fulfill the commitments taken on through the ratification of the Convention, and to ensure for all children:

  • care and protection as envisaged by the Convention on the Rights of the child
  • enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health and access to health care services
  • Right to free and accessible education for all children
  • Appropriate assistance to parents and legal guardians in the performance of their child-rearing responsibilities, including social welfare measures, where necessary.  


We call on the governments not to allow poverty to cause social exclusion of children, particularly the most vulnerable, such as poor children, children with difficulties in development, children without parental care and children belonging to minority groups.   

We invite all institutions, individuals and groups to join us in the work of promotion and protection of children's rights and always to act and make decisions in the best interests of children.



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