The Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Ms. Adrien Taquet, on the sidelines of Ms Anthoussi's presence in Paris, where she is participating in conferences organised by the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
In the light of the dramatic developments in Ukraine, Ms Anthoussi and Mr Taquet expressed their deep concern about the impact of the conflict on children. The two countries share the view that the United Nations Conventions on the protection and safety of children should be respected by all means.
The Deputy Ministers of the two countries had the opportunity to review the relations between Cyprus and France in the field of social care, with emphasis on the national strategies implemented by the two countries to ensure the protection of children and the family.
In particular, Mr Taquet briefed Ms Anthoussi on the actions of his Deputy Ministry, with emphasis on the reorganisation of pre-school care, with the introduction of performance indicators and criteria. Similarly, the Cypriot Deputy Minister presented the policy for the reconciliation of career and family that the Government of Cyprus is promoting, making use of the Recovery and Resilience Plan "Cyprus_Tomorrow". Ms Anthoussi and Mr Taquet made particular reference to the role that Local Authorities and other social partners can play in the implementation of the plans.
The meeting also focused on the phenomenon of the increase in incidents of domestic violence and violence against children, observed throughout Europe due to the coronavirus pandemic and the restrictive measures taken.
At the same time, Ms Anthoussi referred extensively to the operation of the Children's Home. As the Cypriot Deputy Minister explained, the structure operates within the framework of the National Strategy of the Action Plan for Combating Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Child Pornography, and offers services to child victims of sexual abuse and their families, through a holistic approach and with the cooperation of all relevant State services.
Ms Anthoussi extended an invitation to Mr. Taquet to visit Cyprus, where he will have the opportunity to learn more about the Children's House and other programmes implemented by the Ministry of State for the protection and well-being of children.
(MB/EXP)
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