Today Serbia, as well as the rest of the world, commemorates the International Day of the Child – 20 November, on the 20^th anniversary of the signing of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Convention on the Rights of the Child reminds of the basic principles and relevant instruments of human rights and confirms that children, due to their sensitivity, need special protection and care. Under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Serbia is obliged to submit reports on the implementation of the Convention to the Committee on the Rights of the Child.

The Children’s Rights Working Group created at the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia has done a lot in the past year. That is very important because the issue of children’s rights potentially reflects in every issue that can find itself before the Assembly, even when that dimension is not obvious at first sight. The Working Group’s basic task is to improve and develop the system of protection of the rights and position of children by monitoring the implementation and application of relevant laws and other documents, examining the harmonisation of domestic legislation with international standards, cooperating with national institutions and bodies, international organisations and civic organisations, proposing the adoption of specific documents and measures, informing children and monitoring local action plans, as well as promoting children’s rights in order to raise awareness on the importance of the issue.

The child is a particularly sensitive being that requires increased care and protection by the state. In every contemporary society, the responsibility for the development and protection of children outgrows the realm of the family and is shared by the society as a whole. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure systematic work on the issue of children, the protection and achievement of their rights. We are, among other things, obligated to do it by international documents such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Millennium Declaration, as well as our laws, strategies and plans such as the National Action Plan for Children.

As part of the commemoration of the International Day of the Child, a round table titled “Children in the Media Mirror” shall also be held today, organised by UNICEF with whom the National Assembly enjoys excellent cooperation.