A4 MEDIA RELEASE English s3

MEDIA RELEASE

Celebrating Children’s Day in Albania by saying: No to the child exploitation abuse and neglect!

Tirana, June 1, 2016 – The celebration of International Children’s Day in Albania brought together the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth, State Agency for Protection of Children's Rights, UNICEF and other partners to remind institutions, parents and the society that the rights of all children must be protected and promoted everywhere and at all times, with the commitment and active participation of every member of society.

Statistics confirm that violence remains a daily reality for many children and adolescents in Albania, regardless of their age, gender, economic and social circumstances, culture, religion, ethnicity or abilities. We also know that violence takes place in all contexts, including environments where children are supposed to be safe – at home, in schools, in care and justice institutions.

 National surveys reveal a widespread phenomenon of domestic violence, reported by 58% of children (10-14) and 59% of women  In 2015, the Albanian police registered 1,167 crimes against children, representing 5% of the total number of crimes against persons  62 per cent of children have experienced psychological violence (like shouting, name- calling and threatening), and 48.42 per cent have experienced physical violence

These figures show us that now is the time to act. The National Mobilization Campaign represents a bold step in the right direction. During the last three months, the National Mobilisation Campaign # Iprotect children campaign was been informing and raising public awareness on the forms of violence, abuse and exploitation of children, and its impact on their lives and wellbeing.

With a unique participation of children, a series of important activities around the country took place where children discussed with representatives of the Albanian institutions on issues of their concerns, centred mainly on how to protect themselves from any form of violence, neglect, and abuse. The #Iprotect children campaign has involved 26 municipalities, 10,000 parents, 20,000 children and 2,000 teachers. The message of #Iprotectchildren has been disseminated 3,000 times on social media.

The National Mobilization Campaign has been successful in enlisting wide support on behalf of the new law on the “Child Rights and Protection”. The new law will serve as a critical legislative instrument to ensure the promotion, protection and fulfilment of the rights of all children in Albania, especially those most vulnerable and in need of protection.

United Nations Children’s Fund Telephone +355-4 2273335/6/7/8/9 Tirana Office Facsimile +355-4 2243775/6 Rr. Skenderbeg, Volkswagen Bld, 3rd floor www.unicef.org/albania Tirana, Albania MEDIA RELEASE

The new norms on child rights and child protection will set a very solid ground to put in place a comprehensive and functional child protection system with clear accountabilities and roles.

“On the occasion of Children’s Day, UNICEF wishes to congratulate the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth for the leadership role played in strengthening and accelerating Government actions to prevent and respond to violence against children, through the impressive mobilization of a vast network of partners to deliver results. The National Mobilization Campaign has helped to create a culture of prevention around the country by encouraging government and community/society organizations to play more active roles in protecting children from violence, abuse and neglect ”. said Antonella Scolamiero, UNICEF Representative in Albania.

About UNICEF UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. Follow us on www.unicef.org/albania and Facebook /albania

For further information, please contact at UNICEF: Anila Miria, Communication Officer, Tel: 069 20 24 185, [email protected] Floriana Hima, Child Protection Officer, [email protected]

United Nations Children’s Fund Telephone +355-4 2273335/6/7/8/9 Tirana Office Facsimile +355-4 2243775/6 Rr. Skenderbeg, Volkswagen Bld, 3rd floor www.unicef.org/albania Tirana, Albania