December 5, once again an important round table took place on the grounds of the “President-Hotel”. This time, participants discussed important achievements of Belarus in the field of child protection, support for families that raise children, as well as issues of saving children’s health and prospects for improvement of the main provisions of the Law of the Republic of Belarus “On the rights of a child”.

This event, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Law of the Republic of Belarus “On the rights of a child” was attended by Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly Valery Belsky, Deputy Minister of Education Alexander Kadlubay, Representative of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in the Republic of Belarus Rustam Khaidarov and representatives of republican bodies state administration, regional and Minsk city executive committees.

Speakers voiced the key message that the issues of children protection are of top priority when determining state’s social policy direction.

Deputy Minister of Education clearly outlined the departments point of view: “Belarussian folk has a tradition – never to withdraw the rights of children from the rights of a family they live in. Our legislation was built on family upbringing, motherhood protection, as well as fatherhood and childhood protection. Non-traditional marriages and child-free policy did not stick with us and will never be a norm in our society. We stand for children! We stand for the future of our country!

It was noted that the Law of the Republic of Belarus “On the rights of a child” comprehensively and widely covers the areas of work of government bodies and public organizations to protect the rights of children and families raising children. Over the years of implementation, the Law has undergone significant changes and today reflects the most important aspects of this activity.

Alexander Kadlubay reminded those present that the Head of State at the IV All-Belarusian People's Assembly emphasized: “The function of the state is to give young people an opportunity and basic guarantees of confidence in the future.”

The main provisions of the Law on the Rights of a Child and the National Action Plan adopted in its development to improve the situation of children and protect their rights are aimed at fulfilling this function of the state. Currently, the activities of the Sixth National Plan are being effectively implemented.

By the Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus A.G. Lukashenko, the personnel of the National Commission for the Rights of the Child was approved - a collegial advisory body that has no analogues in other states. During the meetings of the National Commission, the most pressing issues of child protection are considered, and directions for improving the practical activities of government bodies and public organizations are discussed.

Today, the National Commission for the Rights of the Child successfully performs the functions of coordinating the interaction of all interested in providing support to specific families and children studying best practices and overcoming problems.

“Our children have truly reliable guarantees of a happy, healthy and active future. Our children live under a peaceful sky, adults take care of their health and well-being, they are given the right to study, develop their talents and abilities, and participate in the life of their country. This is important for every child, regardless of his place of birth, gender and age. This is typical for us – Belarusians: to love children, to give them our best. I am confident that the subsequent years of implementation of the Law on the Rights of the Child will be obvious evidence of the state’s guarantees for children,” summed up the Deputy Minister of Education.

During the thematic panels: “Children and the Law”, “Children and Family”, “Children’s Health”, round table participants also discussed activities to prevent crime and juvenile delinquency; considered the proposals received by adolescents and youth to the Law of the Republic of Belarus “On the Rights of a Child”; participants were informed about the development of family forms of placement for orphans and children without parental care and about gender-based approaches to strengthening the reproductive health of young people.