site.btaBulgarian-French Conference on Prevention of Everyday Violence Held in Sofia

Bulgarian-French Conference on Prevention of Everyday Violence Held in Sofia

Sofia, June 10 (BTA) - A Bulgarian-French conference on the prevention of everyday violence is held in Sofia under the auspices of President Rosen Plevneliev who made an opening address at the forum.

In the address Plevneliev urged for changing public attitudes and having zero tolerance to acts of violence. The President said that a model and example should be set for respect and tolerance which he said is fostered first and foremost in the education system - the way young people develop their skills for communication and respect to the different.

Plevneliev noted that the institutions should be exceptionally active in this respect. He called on MPs to renounce, once and for all, hate speech "which has become an everyday occurrence in Parliament". "This is not normal and must change," Plevneliev said.

The President cited data, according to which in 2015 1,403 alerts for violence against children were checked, most of which were cases of physical violence, negligence and harassment. Chairperson of the State Agency for Child Protection Ophelia Kuneva said that violence against children increased by 20 per cent in 2015.

Plevneliev said that the Bulgarian people has its strong roots of tolerance, understanding and respect to the different person, of hospitality, which should be fostered further. He said that the direction is clear and what is needed are adequate solutions for effective prevention and eradication of violence.