UNICEF Moldova in the evening of November 20 awarded the champions in the promotion of children’s rights in a ceremony at the Organ Hall, which was held on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The awardees included five NGOs and two persons, IPN reports.
 
A champion is the Information and Documentation Center on Child Rights of Moldova, which works to make sure that both the children and grownups possess information about the rights of the child and know how to exercise them. Another champion is the Penal Reform Institute that contributed by different activities to the creation of better protection and support for children in the criminal justice system and to their integration.

The Media Center for Youth implemented dozens of projects that promoted the children’s and young people’s rights to freedom of expression, opinion, participation, a healthy lifestyle. The National Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse was awarded for promoting the children’s right to protection against any form of violence, while Keystone Human Services Moldova Association – for promoting and developing opportunities in the form of consultancy services, technical assistance, training, financial and administrative support for increasing the level of independence and ensuring the social inclusion of children who need support because of disability, poverty, abandonment, institutionalization or other social conditions.

There were also awarded Iosif Moldovanu, who is an active promoter of the chidlren’s right to particpation, and Silvia Zaharia, a Moldovan woman who settled in Italy and who implements social projects for persons with disabilities. A special prize was given by UNICEF to the principal of the lyceum of Stefanesti village of Floresti district Aurelia Bodiu for her effort to include children with special needs in the education process.

UNICEF representative Nune Mangasaryan congratulated Moldova on the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, underlining the historical importance of this document. She said that this convention changed the perception of children, who are now regarded not as passive persons, but as holders of rights that must be respected.

The award ceremony involved Head of Parliament Igor Corman, who said that after the signing of this convention, a number of things were changed and a safe child protection system was created. He thanked UNICEF for being a reliable partner of the Moldovan authorities in their efforts to protect the children and guarantee their rights.

The winners of the contest received by a diploma and a symbolical prize. They were selected by a jury that consisted of representatives of a number of international organizations and national opinion leaders.