Brussels, 10/12/2008 (Agence Europe) - The third European forum on the rights of the child, on Tuesday 9 December, looked at the question of children's participation in the making of the policies that affect them and the issue of violence against children. The winners of the 2008 competition entitled “I have a right to protection” will receive their prizes on this occasion. This year, the first prizes in the two age groups went to an Italian team and a Maltese team (10-14 yrs, and 15-18 yrs), for making the best poster to illustrate protection of their rights. Organised by the DG Justice, Freedom and Security at the European Commission, the competition allowed nearly 40,000 young people from all over Europe to take part in the creation of over 8,000 posters. “Genuine protection comes not only from laws but also from raising awareness, educating and involving young people themselves. (…) the competition on children's rights to protection shows that it is possible to organise a specific activity to raise awareness throughout the European Union in which young people are actively and directly involved”, commented Commission Vice-President Jacques Barrot. The forum also provided an opportunity for the participants and children to present preparatory work for the construction of an EU internet site on the rights of the child, specially designed for them in order to heighten awareness of their rights (nearly 33% of children do not know that they have rights, according to the results of the Eurobarometer survey in March 2008).
Launched after adoption on 4 July 2006 of a Commission communication for a European strategy in favour of children's rights, the forum aims to advise and assist the Commission and the other European institutions and to exchange information and best practice in the area of children's rights. It also aims to make the adult world listen and take notice of children's views on policies and subjects of relevance to them. (I.L./transl.jl)