On June 1, 2018, Public Defender Nino Lomjaria delivered a welcome speech at the presentation of the communicationcampaignaimed at changing the social norms of child abuse and underlined the importance of the campaign in combating child abuse.

In her speech, the Public Defender focused on the challenges in the fields of education, healthcare and social protection of children, as well as realization of their right to live in a violence-free environment. She noted that despite the positive steps taken by the state, the high rate of violence against children and difficulties in detection and prevention of child abuse were still problematic, the cause of which were the widespread stereotypes, on the one hand, and ineffectiveness of protection and assistance measures, on the other hand.

Timely identification of child victims of domestic violence, prevention of domestic violence and rehabilitation of child victims remain problematic. The state has not taken sufficient steps to protect children living and working on the street from violence or to provide safe environment for them. Unfortunately, despite the numerous recommendations of the Public Defender, the legislation still does not regulate the prohibition of child's corporal punishment.

"There is an obvious need for raising public awareness and changing public attitudes. The active involvement of the community, together with the state, would enable elimination of systematic problems and creation of a healthy environment for children. Media outlets also paly a special role as they can deliver correct messages to the public and significantly change the violent attitudes and prejudices," the Public Defender said.

The United Nations Children's Fund is initiating a communication campaign aimed at revising and discussing the existing norms related to child abuse, achieving an agreement on new social norms and promoting them. The initiative will contribute to the establishment of a common public vision about unacceptability of violence and aggression against children.

The Public Defender noted that her Office would be actively involved in all stages of the campaign and expressed hope that joint efforts would make it possible to create equal and violence-free environment for all children.