Children's Ombudsman gets Chamber of Deputies' nod of approval

The creation of the Children's Ombudsman received on Tuesday the nod of approval of the Chamber of Deputies - the decision-making body in this matter; the new institution, tasked with protecting and promoting children's rights, will act under the coordination of the Ombudsman. 

The bill adopted by the deputies amends and complements Law No. 35/1997 on the organization and functioning of the Ombudsman institution, providing for the creation of the Service for the protection and promotion of children's rights, coordinated by a deputy to the Ombudsman, called Children's Ombudsman. 

The Children's Ombudsman takes action to defend, protect, and promote the rights of children aged less than 18, supports and encourages the observance and promotion of children's rights. 

The responsibilities of the Children's Ombudsman are as follows: handling individual complaints made by children or their representatives in connection with the activities of relevant public institutions; addressing any referral regarding the violation of one or several rights of the child; promoting awareness of children's rights among children and adults; working out proposals for measures meant to encourage the children's participation in the making of decisions that concern them; developing surveys on the exercising and observance of children's rights. 

The bill also provides that the Children's Ombudsman shall ensure through specific means the defence, protection, and promotion of children's rights via its relevant jurisdiction, or where appropriate, through the National Prevention Mechanism. 

Beginning January 1, 2018, the number of budget-financed positions with the Ombudsman shall be supplemented by 18: 4 at the central office and one at each of the 14 territorial offices. AGERPRES .