Children under protection
Results of the implementation of the National Action Plan for Improving the Situation of Children and Protection of their Rights for 2016-2021 have been summed up at a meeting of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights held under chairmanship of the Deputy Prime Minister, Igor Petrishenko
As Mr. Petrishenko noted, positive results are already registered, “For example, Belarus demonstrates the lowest infant mortality rate in the CIS – which is also lower than in many developed countries, including Denmark, Lithuania, Poland and the United States. In 2020, this rate was 2.6 per thousand live births, including infants born with extremely low body weight – against 3 per thousands in 2015.”
It was also noted during the meeting that the Republic has almost solved the problem of preschool education availability: 85,2 percent of 1-6-aged children attended kindergartens in 2020 – a rise from 75 percent in 2016. At the same time, last year, 100 percent of 3-6-aged had places in preschool institutions.
Another task is to ensure comfortable living conditions for parentless children and, according to Mr. Petrishenko, a network of family-type orphanages is developing countrywide at present. Last year, 15 such orphanages were opened to welcome 136 children, including 126 boys and girls from boarding schools. Over the past five years, 2,712 children have been adopted.
“Protection of our children from violence, including within families, also remains a topical issue. We also need to protect them from a negative influence of Internet resources and destructive Telegram channels. Our children’s immature minds need protection,” Mr. Petrishenko added.
Preparation of a new National Action Plan for Improving the Situation of Children and Protection of their Rights for 2022-2026 was also discussed during the meeting at the Government.
