Skopje, 5 June 2023 (MIA) - Children's rights, their protection and promotion are very important and should be a priority for every European country, said EU Ambassador David Geer at Monday's conference on the promotion of children's rights, held on the 25th anniversary of the Ombudsman's Office in North Macedonia.

"Children's rights and their protection are a priority of the EU because children and young people are the backbone of the future. Children are very often not part of policy implementation, policies we implement without their consultation, which is why we aim to create conditions for their full inclusion," said Ambassador Geer.

Children's mental health is influenced by digital technology, which is why programs are being created that aim to provide them with education for using the opportunities offered by technology.

According to Geer, such events serve as an important reminder of prior achievements and goals and what needs to be achieved.

Ombudsman Naser Ziberi referred to the Ombudsman Office's work in recent years on protection of human rights.

"The Ombudsman advocates for children's rights and the institution approaches them extremely carefully. I have to point out that we are especially proud of the research we do and continue to use for legal changes, which seek to promote children's rights," Ziberi noted.

The event is organized by the EU delegation in cooperation with the partner organizations: Foundation for Education and Cultural Initiatives "Step by Step", the first Children's Embassy Megjashi, KMOP civil society organization, and the Ombudsman's Office. ssh/ik/

Photo: MIA