Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 13 November (BelTA) – Belarus has made serious achievements in child protection, Foreign Minister of Belarus Vladimir Makei said at the closing of the UNICEF international high-level conference for the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the CIS “Strengthening of national mechanisms for the protection of children from neglect, violence and abuse” which took place in Minsk on 12-13 November, BelTA has learned.

“Belarus’ experience in the prevention of child abuse, creation of the child-friendly environment allows making a fundamental conclusion that stable economic situation, higher wellbeing of people, support of families are the pillars of success,” Vladimir Makei said. “I am convinced that to fulfill certain tasks the countries with similar experience of development need to take into account the reality and opportunities in stead of using innovative and seemingly wonder-working recipes. It does not mean that we cannot share our best practices, study national approaches. It is essential to pay attention to mentality, culture, traditions, psychology of the nations.” He expressed gratitude to the UNICEF because the conference gave Belarus a chance to share experience, ideas and innovations. This, in turn, will help bring them to life.

“It is obvious that a child is happy and protected from violence in a healthy and safe family. If the family is safe, the child will feel comfortable,” Vladimir Makei stressed.

The Belarusian Foreign Minister stressed that the conference brought together delegations from 21 countries, experts from 30 states. “Responsible attitude to the protection of children in Belarus, our real achievements in this field were the main reasons for holding the conference in Minsk,” Vladimir Makei said. “Participants of the forum had productive exchange of opinions. I am convinced that experts will try to use these ideas to improve the national legislation for the optimization of the child protection policy, creation of the favorable environment for bringing up the younger generation.” In his words, the UNICEF inspired and organized efforts to protect children’s rights all over the world.

Marie-Pierre Poirier, the UNICEF Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe and the CIS, in turn, thanked the Belarusian government for the organization of the conference. “The forum brought together the best experts of the region to discuss child protection issues. They shared their best practices, representatives of different countries discussed existing problems and challenges, their future plans,” she said. “The Belarusian partners set high standards in presentations, expert opinions. As a result, participants of the conference shared very interesting ideas. Of course, they cannot be copied and introduced everywhere. But they can be used as a model which can be adapted to the national contexts and conditions in the future,” she added.

Marie-Pierre Poirier assured that the UNICEF is ready to provide assistance to the partners in Belarus and will continue working with other countries.

The international conference was held upon the initiative of Belarus. The country hosted the child protection forum of this level for the first time. Participants of the conference (over 150 people) shared opinions, experience and the best practices in the formation of effective mechanisms for the protection of children, enhancement of inter-agency cooperation in this area, operation of national child protection agencies.