The two-day event that consolidates launching of a regional project “Protecting children from violence and promoting social inclusion of children with disabilities” and vocational training on the Manual of the EU and UNICEF on the Rights of the Child: Integration of children’s rights in the programs of development cooperation was held on the 13th and 14th of December in Sarajevo. One of UNICEF’s technical partners in the implementation of this regional project is the NGO “Genesis Project” . In the context of this event in Sarajevo, there was a conference “Integration of children’s rights in the programs of development cooperation, the European Union and UNICEF – presentation of the project and vocational training” under the motto “A fair chance for every child.” This is one in a series of events aimed at this year’s celebration of the 70th anniversary of UNICEF. Participants of the workshop got themselves committed to address specific activities after the workshop.

Violence is a daily reality for thousands of children throughout Eastern Europe. Data show that more than 50 per cent of boys and girls aged 2-14 (in some countries, more than 70%) were exposed to at least one of the severe forms of physical and psychological punishment by family members. Many children are still finding very difficult to talk to other people about the violence that occurs in the family, and especially to seek protection or reaction.

The situation of children with disabilities is equally complicated; they are often separated from their families, over-represented in special institutions, do not attend school and are excluded from everyday public life. Children face prejudice, stigma and severe discrimination. Many are “invisible” and not covered by official data. Such children are almost four times more likely to experience violence than typical children.

Further information about this event, but also the aforementioned regional project: http://www.zasvakodijete.ba/.