EU, UNICEF and Public Defender’s Office engaged children in a dialogue on their rights in Marneuli

MARNEULI, 20 February 2026 – The European Union and UNICEF, in collaboration with Public Defender’s Office (PDO), brought together children for an interactive discussion on child rights, providing a meaningful space for young people to share their views and engage directly with decision-makers. The event forms part of the ongoing EU–UNICEF partnership project “Human Rights for All – Realization of Child Rights to Family, Justice and an Adequate Standard of Living.”

During the event, the Public Defender’s Office presented newly developed, child‑friendly educational materials on child rights, created in partnership with UNICEF and with support from the EU. These materials aim to make information on child rights and available protection mechanisms more accessible, engaging, and easier for children to understand.

A hands‑on workshop followed the discussion, giving children the opportunity to explore the materials, exchange ideas, and reflect on how child rights apply in their daily lives.

The initiative is part of the broader EU–UNICEF programme aimed at protecting and empowering children and enhancing the capacity of professionals to deliver services in a more child‑friendly, inclusive, and supportive manner. Equipped with skills, knowledge, and tools, the service providers are better able to uphold child rights and children are well placed to demand and receive quality support across sectors.

"We aim to ensure that every child can enjoy their rights, live in dignity, and access quality services. Today’s dialogue shows how valuable children’s voices are in guiding our joint efforts," stated Lenka Vitkova, Deputy Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Georgia at a meeting with children in Marneuli.

"Children have the right to participate in decisions that shape their lives. Today’s discussion reflects UNICEF’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for children to express their views and be part of solutions. Together with the European Union and the Public Defender’s Office, we are working to ensure that children receive stronger support from the adults they rely on—by improving how professionals engage with them, listen to them, and respond to their needs in everyday situations," said Alexandru Nartea, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Georgia.

This event represents an important step in strengthening meaningful child participation and ensuring that children’s voices inform policies and programmes. As part of the EU–UNICEF partnership, a similar discussion will be held in Akhaltsikhe in the coming weeks, further expanding opportunities for young people across Georgia to learn about their rights and engage directly with institutions responsible for upholding them.