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- Русский
It is with feelings of satisfaction that I am today delivering my Annual Report for 2021, pursuant to section 7(1) of the Commissioner for Children's Rights Acts 2007 and 2014.
Bearing in mind that every child should enjoy his or her rights to the fullest extent possible, I emphasize the obligation of the State to formulate policies with a focus on shaping a just society, with quality opportunities and possibilities of equal access and equal opportunities. Every day, I will continue to monitor the implementation of my recommendations, aiming to establish a system of social justice, with particular concern for children living in vulnerable situations. The difficult circumstances faced by specific groups require the competent authorities to adopt a systemic management approach, at both preventive and interventionist levels, in order to ensure the principle of non-discrimination, access to equal opportunities, social inclusion, the principle of Life and Development and, in general, the unimpeded access of all children to the enjoyment of their rights.
Ensuring the well-being, survival, safety and development of every child is an obligation of the State.
Ensuring the well-being, survival, safety and development of every child is an obligation of the State. Targeted prevention, protection and awareness-raising measures, including frequent assessment of risks that may lead to neglect, violence, abuse, exploitation or other situations that may adversely affect a child's physical, emotional and psychological well-being, must be implemented.
In policy formulation, the State must involve children themselves, so that through meaningful participation their needs and aspirations are reflected and their views are given due weight. Children's participation is crucial for the development of social and emotional skills and the strengthening of mental resilience, but also, more broadly, for the formation of a society free of all forms of discrimination, respectful of time-honoured values and fundamental human rights.
The rights of the child are undoubtedly most at risk in times of crisis, whether due to health, environmental or economic factors, or to human decisions that upset international balances and the reconciliation of states. Any crisis potentially prevents children from enjoying the full range of their rights and puts them at multiple risks, both in the short and long term. The vulnerability of children, who mostly bear the long-term consequences of adult decisions, requires the relevant authorities to include them in such planning so that their best interests are safeguarded and any new challenges can be effectively addressed.
This, of course, requires the creation of mechanisms with measurable and achievable objectives that establish the recognition of the child as an active citizen, so that the needs and priorities of the new generation can guide policy-making.
You can be sure, Mr. President, that, for my part, I will devote all my efforts to enable the State to carry out this important task.
(AF/SX)
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