UNICEF applauds creation of the position of the Child Rights Ombudsperson at the national level
On September 1, the Day of Knowledge in Russia, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev gave a wonderful gift to all Russian children – for the first time, the post of the Child Rights Ombudsperson has been established at the national level. On that day, Dmitry Medvedev issued a decree appointing Alexey I. Golovan as Ombudsperson for Children’s Rights under the President of the Russian Federation. Until very recently, Mr. Golovan had been serving as Moscow City Ombudsperson for Children’s Rights. UNICEF welcomes wholeheartedly the decision made by the head of the Russian state, as the creation of the position of a child rights ombudsperson on the federal level is an important element in fulfilling obligations to protect child rights assumed by the Russian Government under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It is highly symbolic that it is happening on the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention. “The appointment of the Child Rights Ombudsperson is a significant and timely step,” said Bertrand Bainvel, UNICEF Representative in the Russian Federation. “International experience shows that the child rights ombudspersons institution ensures increased attention to the protection of child rights at the highest political level, with more effective resolution of critical issues. We can see that in those countries where national child rights ombudsperson institutions are in place, children’s rights are better protected, their interests are taken into account in decision making and child-related policies are supported by appropriate financing. It is essential that the Ombudsperson for Child Rights be guaranteed full independence”, Bertrand Bainvel pointed out. Child rights ombudspersons in Russia are UNICEF’s long-standing partners. In 2005, the Association of Child Rights Ombudspersons was set up, with UNICEF’s support, in 24 Russian regions (at regional and municipal levels). The ombudspersons work in cooperation with local and federal authorities, carry out independent assessment and monitoring of child rights and represent children’s interests in court. They contribute to the development and advancement of appropriate policy and legislation. Russia should take pride in the fact that the Russian Association of Child Rights Ombudspersons is recommended internationally by UNICEF as a good example. The establishment of the federal post of the Ombudsperson for Children’s Rights should further strengthen the activities carried out by the Russian Association. Pursuant to the Decree of the Russian President, all the regional authorities were recommended to appoint their own ombudspersons – another step warmly welcomed by UNICEF. UNICEF would like to congratulate Alexey Golovan on his new appointment. We are sure that thanks to Alexey’s enthusiasm, open heart and professional skills, the federal Child Rights Ombudsperson Institution will work efficiently to promote the rights of children in Russia and serve as a model and example for other countries. UNICEF is stands ready with all possible support. For more information, please contact:
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