site.btaBulgaria Hosts European Network of Ombudspeople for Children Forum

Bulgaria Hosts European Network of Ombudspeople for Children Forum

Sofia, May 16 (BTA) - Ombudsman Maya Manolova Tuesday opened a meeting of the European Network of Ombudspeople for Children (ENOC). For three days Bulgaria will host the forum, which was organized in partnership between her institution, ENOC and UNICEF. Representatives of ombudspeople from 17 countries will participate in the event.

The forum will discuss the effectiveness of the institutions to protect the rights of children and improving their access to submitting appeals and alerts, as well as the need to introduce health culture and sexual education in schools.

Manolova noted that the defence of children's rights is a moral priority, for Bulgaria is currently passing through a difficult period of social change with the closure of institutions for children.

The Ombudsman also spoke of the phenomenon of 'children giving birth to children'. A total of 531 abortions of girls under 19 were made this year so that they may enjoy their childhood and avoid the fate of poverty and social inclusion. Bulgaria ranks among the countries with the highest risk sexual conduct of children, she recalled and declared that she insists that the Minister of Education introduce sexual education in the curriculum.