International Children's Rights Day

Monday, November 21, 2016
 

Today, on International Children's Rights Day, the EU Ambassador and the UN Representative to Albania along with World Vision's National Director made a commitment to children in Dibra to help bring change to their lives.

Ambassador Romana Vlahutin, Brian J. Williams and Toni Gogu heard from children ranging from 10 to 18 years of age who told them of some of the problems they and their friends face in one of Albania's poorest regions. The children said that bullying, child labour and early marriage were all common and highlighted discrimination and violence against girls as a particular problem.

The UN's Brian Williams said he felt a 'great sense of courage' from the young people. He described the presentation as 'impressive and inspiring' and said that, 'It reminds us that we must work together to support them.'

Ambassador Vlahutin pledged that the EU would continue to work, 'to create an environment that is conducive to change' but went on to say that change does not come from outside, it comes from inside' and she urged the children to 'push for change and then push harder'. She particularly condemned the discrimination and violence faced by girls that the children talked about.

World Vision has been working with children in Dibra since 2008 and the organisation's National Director, Toni Gogu promised that they would continue to help children throughout the country to find their voice so that they can play a full part in changing society.