The first sitting of the Children’s Rights Working Group, held on 12 March, was convened by the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Prof. Dr Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic, pursuant to articles 77 and 78 of the National Assembly Rules of Procedure. The decision on the creation of the Working Group was adopted previously by the Poverty Reduction Committee at the sitting held on 9 March.

Opening the sitting, Assembly Speaker Djukic-Dejanovic stated that, in addition to the National Assembly Speaker and Deputy Speakers, the working group comprises the Chairmen of the Poverty Reduction Committee and Committee on Labour, Ex-Servicemen’s and Social Issues and deputies from all the deputy groups. Since the idea on the foundation of the Children’s Rights Working Group is realized in cooperation with the UNICEF Office in Serbia, under the signed Agreement, its sittings will also be attended by representatives of this international organization.

The National Assembly Speaker stressed that the Working Group is the precursor of a future Assembly Committee which will handle children’s issues comprehensively, primarily their rights and the improvement of their position. She expressed her belief that the working body will be formed under the new National Assembly Act and Rules of Procedure.

The Working Group’s 2009 Plan of work and specific activities was adopted at the sitting.