Prishtinë, 1 June 2020 – Today, on the occasion of the International Children’s Day, the Ombudspersdon Institution draws attention of all citizens of the Republic of Kosovo regarding protection and respect of children’s rights .

This day provides each of us with the opportunity to refect regarding the situation and actions undertaken by us to protect, promote and celebrate children’s rights. Children’s rights are an integral part of human rights. Children’s healthy development is essential for the future well-being of each society. Therefore, it is important that children have in disposal all means not solely to survive but also to reach their full potential. Despite of this, this 1st of June as well finds children in difficulty for the full enjoyment of their rights in almost all areas of life.

The situation created by the global pandemic of COVID-19 has revealed even more  weaknesses for accomplishment of these rights as well as has deepened the existing inequalities. The socio-economic effects of the virus and the measures undertaken to control the pandemic have affected children’s survival and health, sacurity, learning and potentially the risk of poverty. These effects in interaction with other factors such as gender, ethnicity, disability and economic situation have had different impact on children. An example was the transition from school to online learning, where it was found that many children did not have access to IT equipment and internet, especially children of Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities, as well as children with disabilities. The emphases should be focused on children with disabilities, for whome this approach was more difficult as there was no suitable program for their needs.

In general, during this time difficulties of children’s to access education, social and health services have been observed as well as increased domestic violence, thus consequently the violence against children. Life free of violence is not only a fundamental right, but also a necessary precondition for the well-being and physical and mental health of the child. Furthermore, restrictions of routine lifestyle as well as the psychosocial stress caused by lockdown or isolation have affected children’s mental health. This pandemic has highlighted more than ever the importance of mental health programs and the access of all children to psychosocial services. Indubitably, adults in implementing obligations and responsibilities towards children should include the voice and view point of child in accordance with step-by-step development of his / her abilities.

In addition to the obligations deriving from the Constitution and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Ombudsperson Institution draws attention of all stakeholders and institutions responsible for initiating enforcement of the Law on Child Protection from 17 July 2020 as well as requires utmost commitment for protection and ensuring the best interest for children in the Republic of Kosovo.

Children’s Day is celebrated on 1st of June each year by many countries around the world and was proclaimed International Children’s Day at the World Conference on Child Welfare in 1925, in Geneva, Switzerland. That day, 54 participating countries adopted the Geneva Declaration on the Protection of Children.