A group of children, human rights defenders, on Tuesday warned Moldovan MPs that their rights are not fully respected in Moldova. They say they are vulnerable and ask for more support from the authorities to make their voices heard. The meeting of the Parliament’s commission on social protection, health and family, which was attended by children and centered on their involvement in the process of drafting laws, was organized in partnership with the Child Rights Information and Documentation Center, IPN reports.
The MPs who attended the meeting said that they aim to increase children’s awareness of their role in the law-making process. They informed child human rights defenders about the practical steps of drafting a law.
MP Angela Munteanu-Pojoga referred to the anti-bullying law drafted by her. “I want to tell you how it all started. First of all, there was communication with citizens. There was an audience with several mothers who complained about bullying. We also had an online meeting with over 70 young people and we also organized other meetings with young people. And following my initiative, the Cabinet approved a methodology known in all the national educational institutions, regarding the prevention of bullying,” stated the parliamentarian.
The MPs assured that they already consult children in all aspects of their lives, referring also to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Moldova signed. In this connection, the authorities expressed their readiness to promote the children’s right to participate in the drafting of laws, reiterating that all children have the right to request the authorities’ assistance in the process of initiating laws.
Rodica Caimac, coordinator of the Child Participation Program of the Child Rights Information and Documentation Center, said that the initiative on the involvement of children in the legislative process started two years ago and, although it seemed difficult, now the Center continues to support groups of children who defend human rights. And the results of the children’s monitoring also produced results.
Since November 2022 until October 2024, the Child Rights Information and Documentation Center and Child Rights Connect have implemented the project “Advancing the rights, empowerment and protection of child human rights defenders (CHRDs) in promoting human rights in Moldova”.
The child human rights defenders who were present at the meeting of the parliamentary commission noted that they will continue to fight for children’s rights and for a future full of peace. At the end of the meeting for children, an excursion through the Parliament Building was staged.
