Plans for child protection and higher birth rate
The Romanian authorities continue to promise measures to protect children and increase the birth rate.
Daniela Budu, 23.10.2024, 13:50
A year ago, the Bucharest Government adopted the National Strategy for the Protection of Children’s Rights, and now the Parliament has passed the Law according to which 2025 will be the Year of the Child in Romania. The authorities say that they are preparing a series of measures to support children and to promote their rights, especially of those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The law passed by Parliament at the beginning of this month provides for several lines of action, including the organization of events dedicated to the social, educational, cultural and civic development of children, as well as the allocation of specific funds to support these initiatives and the prioritization of investments in infrastructure aimed for children.
Although there is specific national legislation, a clear strategy and an action plan called the European Child Guarantee in all EU member states, by adopting this law, the Romanian officials say, Romania is taking an additional step forward. The UN special representative for combating violence against children, Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, is of the same opinion. On a recent visit to Romania, he appreciated the significant progress made in the field of child protection and rights, as well as regarding combating violence against minors in the last two years. Moreover, he believes that this initiative is an example of good practice and that such a year dedicated to children in several countries could stimulate global investments in child protection. Romania has key achievements in child protection and well-being, with multiple strategies, plans and legislative reforms in this field, the UN official said. I believe that Romania is in an excellent position not only to continue to lead these efforts domestically, but also to become an example in child protection at international level, he also said. However, the UN representative emphasized that the country still faces numerous challenges in this field.
On the other hand, at a round table held on Tuesday in Bucharest, the problem of increasing birth rate in Romania was also addressed. In this context, Government representatives say, infertility must be included on the public agenda and a national strategy is needed to help women and all couples who want to become parents, to support them through fiscal and economic measures, as well as through adequate access to all health services. According to official statistics, infertility affects, globally, one sixth of the adult population. In Europe, for example, it is estimated that around 25 million couples have infertility problems. According to the authorities, low birth rates and increased infertility have such effects that, unless measures are taken now, could lead to irreversible phenomena. That is why, the birth rate is and will continue to be a priority, the Government representatives say. In this context, the Minister of Family and Youth, Natalia Intotero, said that the in vitro fertilization program is functional and will be extended, as it responds to the alarming decrease in the birth rate and the financial problems faced by families in Romania.
