Violence against children compromises their present and future
66 percent of parents or primary caregivers consider violence as a disciplinary means (1)
The increase in the number of cases made public through media reports in Albania continues to be a worrying phenomenon that needs immediate and continuous intervention. The figures are alarming. 66 percent of parents or primary caregivers consider violence as a disciplinary means. Thus, how are we influencing the well-being of the new generation: children and youth? This is the main question we bring through the project “Into the Labyrinth” that aims encouraging us to reflect before acting and making decisions for our children.
Violence has negative consequences on the child’s development by endangering the physical and psycho-emotional health, education, preparation for the future, etc. Also, studies show that violence experienced in the childhood impacts negatively the child’s performance at school. Eventually, these psycho-emotional consequences can be associated with long-term economic consequences, including poverty. (2)
It takes a world to end violence against children; it takes all of us, the family, the school, the community and engagement of institutions at local and central level, so that children in Albania do not experience violence.
According to Law no. 18/2017 “On the rights and protection of the children” in the Republic of Albania: Any person who has information or suspicion that a child is abused, neglected or in danger is obliged to notify immediately the State Police bodies or Child Protection structures at the Municipality or their administrative unit. Individuals reporting cases have to protect the child personal data according to the requirements defined by the legislation in place.
As per facts it is imperative for each individual, as well as institutions, organizations and above all families to be well coordinated, cooperate and act not only to increase the reporting number near the responsible structures, but also to provide preventive and treating services.
“Child protection is one of the priority aspects of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and as such should be ensured in the family, school and community. Each child should live the life in all its fullness, protected from all forms of violence and abuse. We are the ones who, as individuals, but also as part of the institutions and organizations we represent, should make children feel protected, valued. The time is now, this is about our children, for the present and the future of our society,” said Eljona Boçe Elmazi, director of World Vision Albania at the launching event.
The Labyrinth installation will be located at the "Liria" square in Durrës for five consecutive days, September 21-25. Each visitor will have the opportunity through an individual experience to reflect on the role as a parent or citizen in the process of raising their children, as well as the long-term impact that present actions and decisions have on their future.
The launching event in Durrës will take place on Tuesday, September 21, at 10:00, a collaboration of World Vision Albania in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the Ministry of Education and Sports and Durrës Municipality.
Complying to anti Covid-19 measures, Personal Protective Equipment will be provided for each visitor. Entrance will be individual and with a time distance of 3 minutes from the previous visitor. For people with disabilities assistance is provided to support access in information and infrastructure of the Labyrinth.
______
(1) World Vision Albania (2019). Annual Report: Our Impact Update. https://www.worldvision.al/raporti-vjetor-2019-world-vision-albania
(2) Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, World Report on Violence against Children, UN Secretary General’s Study, 2006.