EU and UNICEF organize interactive discussion with children to mark the launch of the new project on child rights

TELAVI, 21 November.2025 - The European Union and UNICEF are bringing together children and representatives of the EU Delegation in Georgia, UNICEF and Public Defender’s Office for an interactive discussion on child rights, creating a unique platform for young people to express their views and ask questions directly to the panelists. This event marks the start of the EU-UNICEF partnership project “Human Rights for All - Realization of Child Rights to Family, Justice and Adequate Standard of Living.”

The discussion was accompanied by the presentation of child-friendly educational materials on child rights developed by the Public Defender’s Office (PDO) with the support of the EU and UNICEF. A workshop that followed gave children the opportunity to explore these materials and share their ideas.

This discussion is part of the EU-UNICEF partnership initiative “Human Rights for All - Realization of Child Rights to Family, Justice and Adequate Standard of Living.” The project aims to protect and empower children while strengthening the capacity of professionals to deliver services in a more supportive and improved environment.

"The European Union is committed to supporting children’s rights and ensuring that every child has a voice in shaping their future. Today’s discussion is a powerful example of how dialogue can empower young people. Through its partnership with UNICEF, the European Union reaffirms its dedication to protecting and promoting the rights of every child in Georgia" - said Nicholas Cendrowicz, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Georgia.

“Children’s participation is not just a principle - it’s a right. By creating spaces where children can express their views and engage with decision-makers, we help build a society that listens to and respects its youngest citizens.Our collaboration with the European Union is a powerful example of how joint efforts can influence systems for children. By strengthening family support, justice services, and child participation, we are building a future where every child’s rights are respected and realized” - said Jesper Moller, UNICEF Representative in Georgia

The EU-UNICEF initiative aims to protect and empower children by improving family support systems and ensuring access to child-friendly justice. It focuses on:

• Stronger Families: Preventing separation and supporting reintegration through evidence-based programmes.
• Safer Childhoods: Tackling violence and challenging behaviors, including online risks.
• Inclusive Services: Enhancing social services and budgeting for children’s needs.
• Better Data: Generating evidence to guide child-focused policies.
• Active Participation: Giving children a voice in local decision-making.
• Access to Justice: Expanding child-friendly legal aid and protection mechanisms.
• Awareness: Raising awareness of children about their rights and empowering them to access justice and protection mechanisms.

About the European Union

For more than 30 years, the European Union has built a close partnership with Georgia, supporting its development through knowledge and experience sharing, expertise, innovation and financial support. The relationship between the EU and Georgia is based on shared values of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights and inclusive economic growth. More about the EU’s support in Georgia https://eu4georgia.eu/the-european-union-in-georgia/

About the project/programme

EU and UNICEF joint project “Human Rights for All - Realization of Child Rights to Family, Justice, and Adequate Standard of Living” - 2024-2027 helps protect children and support families. It works to prevent children from being separated from their families and helps them return home when possible. It also improves services for children and families in the community to strengthen family functioning for child’s harmonious development with specific focus on children from poor and the most vulnerable families, those who have experienced violence, especially sexual abuse, and makes sure they get the care and justice they need. The project trains professionals to better support children and families, helps children take part in decisions that affect them, and raises awareness about children's rights across the country.