Children Discuss Inclusion with Ministers and Parliamentarians on the 22nd Anniversary of UN CRC
PODGORICA, 21 November, 2011 - On the occasion of the anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, more than 60 children from all over Montenegro had an opportunity to ask questions related to key child rights issues to the high Government officials, representatives of Parliamentary Committees, Heads of political parties, Ombudsman and Representatives of International organizations. This is the third children’s session that was organised by the Parliament in cooperation with the local NGO “Centre for Child Rights” and UNICEF. "Today is a joyful day for the Parliament of Montenegro, for the Government of Montenegro, for entire Montenegro, because the country has an opportunity to open the doors of its institutions to the best and most joyful part – the children,’’ said Ranko Krivokapic, Speaker of the Parliament. At the beginning of the session the children presented the key problems they are faced with in Montenegro. Children especially emphasized the importance of creating conditions for inclusion of children with disabilities in Montenegrin society. ‘’Thanks to the ‘It’s About Ability’ campaign, initiated by UNICEF together with the Government of Montenegro and numerous partners, children with disabilities have become more visible and accepted. But we still do not know exactly how many children with disabilities are living in Montenegro. Unfortunately, there are still those who do not allow their children to be friends with us. There are still families who are not allowing their children with disabilities to go to school and participate in the society, as they are hiding them. A child with a disability is like any other child –he/she needs to grow up in a stimulating environment with a lot of support and love. For this reason, we appeal to families and the society in general, not to place children with disability in institutions, but to provide support to their families in every possible way,’’ said Miljan Loncar in his opening speech to the Parliament.
Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Suad Numanović spoke about the progress achieved in establishing a network of Day Care Centres for children with disabilities covering all municipalities. ‘’The ‘It’s About Ability’ campaign which has achieved many great results, has made us, has obliged us to intensify the work on what we had previously recognized as an obligation. The children's session of the Montenegrin Parliament lasted for two and a half hours and it was broadcasted live on the public service television TVCG.
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