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With reference to an internet publication dated 16/07/2024, I would like to point out that my Office neither had nor has a helpline and had never announced a relevant service.
The telephone helpline of my Office is available to citizens during opening hours (7:30 to 15:00) and internal connection options are given for more direct access, depending on the issue raised. In order to make the process as child-friendly as possible for children who wish to be contacted, the internal connection number 1 is provided.
A helpline service must be properly staffed with qualified personnel on a 24-hour basis in order to be able to respond to the needs of children, first and foremost, and other citizens.
Bearing in mind the rights of the child as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, I stress that the relevant state agencies must maintain helplines. This is a very important service, which offers easy access to children for immediate and free support, without the need for parental consent.
Therefore, direct access to information and counselling services through helplines is one of my recommendations in my occasional interventions to the relevant bodies, indeed with reference to a helpline which existed but was discontinued following a decision. I also note that the need for helplines has also been highlighted by members of the Adolescent Advisory Group (AAG) of my Office.
(NYAN/MS)
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