The need for legislative changes and the introduction of additional preventive measures against violence by and against children was emphasized by the Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Natalia Efremova. An official statement from the ministry's press office noted that during the opening of the National Council for Child Protection meeting, Efremova highlighted the priorities in the government's management program. These include the drafting of a new National Program for the Prevention of Violence and Abuse of Children, as well as the future adoption of a National Strategy for the Child.
The minister described recent cases of aggression involving children as either perpetrators or victims as "shocking." According to her, these events leave neither individual citizens nor institutions indifferent. Before those present at the meeting, Efremova raised two fundamental questions regarding the state's role in combating violence and the distribution of responsibility for the well-being of adolescents. She stressed that to tackle this "pandemic of violence," cooperation between state authorities and the non-governmental sector is mandatory, adding that success is impossible without the involvement of parents and the restoration of trust in social workers and the State Agency for Child Protection (SACP).
Efremova placed special emphasis on the participation of children themselves in seeking solutions. In her words, they are important partners from whom institutions can learn in order to develop more effective policies. The minister noted that through young people, prevention messages reach their peers much more easily.
During the meeting, key decisions were made regarding the future activities of the council:
- The Report on the activities and measures implemented under the 2025 Plan for the execution of the National Program for the Prevention of Violence and Abuse of Children (2023 – 2026) was approved.
- A decision was adopted to create a new Program for the Prevention of Violence and Abuse of Children for the period 2027 – 2030.
The ministry's press office clarified that the council includes representatives of all involved institutions, local authorities, non-governmental organizations, as well as children from the Council of Children at the SACP. It was recalled that as early as mid-August, the Council of Children presented proposals to the chair of the SACP, which included ensuring the possibility for every child to visit a psychologist at least twice a year, as well as expanding access to sports and cultural activities.