U.N. study on violence against children launched in Bucharest

A study of the United Nations Secretary-General on violence against children was launched at Parliament Palace on Thursday by independent U.N. expert Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, as a working instrument meant for professionals.

Pinheiro explained that the survey was launched in Bucharest as well because the Government had voiced intention to back the initiative in 2006, with Romania being one of 12 countries worldwide that bans violence by law. The launch of the report is essential to the dissemination and implementation of the issues referring the violence against children, he added.

When asked about the consequences of violence, the U.N. expert answered they are devastating both on a psychological and physical level, causing limitations and even diseases. Furthermore, he cited ignorance as the main source of such violence, since people are not aware they shouldn’t use any kind of aggression against children.

Romanian State Secretary at the National Authority for the Protection of Child Rights said the study will be implemented in Romania by means of the draft law on looking after children aged zero to 11 years old, which calls for the setting up of centres for parents in schools, town halls or churches and providing after-school services for children. The draft law might be passed by year-end, Mariela Neagu said.

She cited statistical figures as showing that 7,000 cases of violence against children were reported in Romania in the first nine months of the year alone, out of which 100 cases are being criminally prosecuted.

Three children die each day in the European states as a result of violence, said UNICEF representative in Romania, Edmond McLoughney.

‘The key of the study is that violence can be prevented’, director-general of Global Affairs in the Romanian Foreign Ministry, Petru Dumitriu concluded. ROMPRES