Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva proposes raising the age limit for child protection from 14 to 16 years. The information was confirmed by the Ombudsman's institution, which announced that Delcheva has sent an opinion to the chair of the parliamentary Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Anna Alexandrova, in which she expresses her support for the bill.
In her opinion, the ombudsman emphasizes that the proposed changes aim to provide more effective protection for children from violence and sexual abuse. According to Delcheva, these changes are in accordance with international standards and the recommendations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.
"With these changes, a safer and more protected environment for children will be created, and respect for their personality and dignity will be strengthened", notes Velislava Delcheva.
The ombudsman also emphasizes the seriousness of sexual assaults against children, stressing that these crimes often lead to severe consequences for the mental and emotional health of the victims. Such consequences include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
Delcheva believes that children between the ages of 14 and 16 are particularly vulnerable because, at this stage of their lives, they have not yet developed sufficient maturity and experience to be able to give informed consent to sexual acts. Raising the age limit is defined as an important step towards more effective prevention and protection of children from abuse. "This change is important and necessary because it shows that society more clearly recognizes the vulnerability of children and is committed to their protection", the ombudsman's opinion states.
The proposal comes after, at the end of September, the leader of "DPS-New Beginning" Delyan Peevski, expressed the opinion that the Penal Code contradicts good morals, sound family foundations, and conditions for prevention, by accepting 14-year-olds as fully aware of the consequences of their actions. In connection with this, he announced that the party would submit a draft amendment to the Penal Code, with which the age limit for protection would be increased to 16 years.