Presentation
The Children’s Advisory Council under the People’s Advocate for Child’s Rights (the Child’s Ombudsman) is a platform where children can freely express their views on how well the Republic of Moldova is meeting the obligations it has assumed under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Republic of Moldova – European Union Association Agreement.
Mandate
The Children’s Advisory Council under the People’s Advocate for Child’s Rights (the Child’s Ombudsman), hereinafter referred to as “the Children’s Council”, is a permanent consultative body. The People’s Advocate for Child’s Rights established it the national level to represent the voice of all children on the respect for, protection of, and observance of the child’s rights in the Republic of Moldova.
A member’s term of office may not exceed two years.
A child may serve no more than two terms.
When some members’ terms end, the People’s Advocate Office (PAO) issues a call to recruit new members.
Functions
- To give every child the opportunity, according to their abilities, to express their views in whatever form is comfortable and suitable for them;
- To make children’s opinions heard — as active members of society — on all topics and issues that affect their lives;
- To make it easier for children to access information that promotes their health and social, spiritual, moral, emotional, and physical well-being;
- To guide the People’s Advocate for Child’s Rights in setting work priorities;
- To advise the People’s Advocate for Child’s Rights in identifying the themes, subjects, and issues in the area of child’s rights that should be covered in thematic, special, and annual reports.
Members
The Children’s Advisory Council under the People’s Advocate for Child’s Rights (the Child’s Ombudsman) consists of approximately 30 children who have volunteered to contribute to its purpose and objectives.
Members of the Children’s Advisory Council must meet the following requirements:
- Be between age of 10 and 17 years;
- Show an interest in child’s rights;
- Provide informed consent from the child’s legal representatives.
The Council operates under the Regulation of the Children’s Advisory Council under the People’s Advocate for Child’s Rights (the Child’s Ombudsman). Its work is facilitated and supported by the staff of the Department for Child’s Rights within the People’s Advocate Office.
