Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 2 November (BelTA) – Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General on Violence against Children Marta Santos Pais met with Belarus’ Deputy Prime Minister Igor Petrishenko on 2 November, BelTA has learned.

“It is very important for us to ensure comprehensive protection of children from violence. Not only response to child abuse, but also prevention of child maltreatment is needed. We see that this work is arranged in a proper way in Belarus,” Marta Santos Pais said.

She emphasized the great attention to this issue on the part of the country’s leadership. “It is important that government members can work out strategies, combine various government initiatives and ensure the adequate level of child wellbeing and development,” Marta Santos Pais said.

Igor Petrishenko noted that Belarus is fulfilling its international commitments within the framework of the United Nations in a consistent and comprehensive way. “A corresponding national system has been developed and is overseen at the highest level. Protection of children’s rights is on the radar of the head of state,” the vice premier added.

Attending the meeting were UNICEF representative to Belarus Rashed Mustafa Sarwar, Belarus’ Education Minister Igor Karpenko, Head of the Department on Multilateral Diplomacy at the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Larisa Belskaya and first deputy head of the education, culture and social affairs department – head of the education and sport section at the Office of the Council of Ministers of Belarus Yulia Khandogina.