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Description
The child policies were attacked in order to stall democratic processes in the country and parents’ fears were used to that end. Democratic processes have been under a threat over the last two and a half years and the subject of children and parenting has been used for propaganda and disinformation in order to repeal key legislative acts about child protection. These attacks have been successful, as Bulgaria has not ratified the Istanbul Convention, has not adopted the National Strategy for the Child 2019-2030 and has not had any Strategy for the Child for two years now even though it is the main obligation of the state under the Child Protection Act. The Social Services Act has been also attacked and it has been at a serious risk of not entering into force. The child protection system, the children’s hotline 116111, NGOs and specific activists working for children’s rights have been targeted. Our project offers actions aimed at the political parties, the public and civil society organizations and the goal is to improve democratic culture and public awareness about child policies. Activities will be implemented under the project that aim at involving citizens in decision-making about child policies. The activities will rely on active participation of citizens, data, facts and analyses provided by civil society organizations working with children so that there is a solid foundation for formulation of public policies and holding an informed debate and not a debate influenced by disinformation. In the short term the project aims at presenting in a reasoned and emotional manner the need of consistent political actions that can ensure that children and the family hold a central place in the democratic processes in the country. The goal in the long run is to provide advocacy to set up the Office of the Ombudsman for Children in Bulgaria and that is why the project is implemented in partnership with the Ombudsman for Children in Iceland.
Summary of project results
In recent years, child policies in Bulgaria have become victims of misinformation and the spread of fake news. Fears of parents have been exploited with the aim of repealing key regulatory acts related to child protection. For several years, Bulgaria has lacked a Child Strategy, despite it being a fundamental obligation of the state according to the Child Protection Act. The project addresses the need for a change in national policies for children and families to be based on informed decisions and reliable data.
The project supported political forces and citizens in decision-making related to child policies, the formulation of public policies, and informed debates on issues concerning children and families. Activities were conducted throughout the country and were associated with providing credible information – data, facts, and analyses that enable informed participation in decisions regarding child policies. In the long term, the goal is to advocate for the establishment of a Children''s Ombudsman in Bulgaria.
The project succeeded in achieving consensus among experts working with children on the ground, directing public attention to the topic of children''s rights and child policies. A study of the practices of the Children''s Ombudsman in Iceland was conducted, leading to the mobilization of allies within the newly formed parliament to propose bills for the establishment of a Children''s Ombudsman in Bulgaria.
The "Become a Defender of Children" initiative in parliament engaged over 100 representatives from political parties to work in the interests of children and families during the 47th, 48th, and 49th National Assembly sessions. Restructuring of the Parliamentary Committee on Children, Youth, Family, and Sports was achieved. A collective complaint was initiated before the European Committee due to the rejected National Child Strategy. Together with parents and activists, over 7,000 signatures were gathered for a real Children''s Hospital, leading to the Ministry of Health conducting a needs analysis.
Two important regulatory changes were achieved in Regulation 26 of the Ministry of Health from 2007 concerning uninsured pregnant women, equalizing the monitoring of their pregnancies with the number of examinations and guaranteed investigations as provided for insured women. Additionally, in Regulation 26 of the Ministry of Health from 2008 regarding the activities of nurseries and nursery groups, the possibility of appointing educators in these groups, not just medical personnel, was expanded.
Another success was the amendments to the Law on Pre-school and School Education adopted by the National Assembly. These amendments envisage the transition of childcare facilities and nursery groups from the current jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health to the structure of the Ministry of Education and Science. This will allow for the long-awaited and long-delayed reform in early education and care services in municipal childcare facilities and kindergartens.
An official partner in the project is the Ombudsman of Iceland. Thanks to the implemented travels between representatives of the NMD (presumably National Movement for Children) and the Ombudsman of Iceland, a bilingual Proposal for Regulatory Framework and Establishment of a Children''s Ombudsman Institution in the Republic of Bulgaria (Policy Plan) was drafted and presented. This document will serve as support for future advocacy activities of the NMD before state institutions in Bulgaria.
Summary of bilateral results
An official partner in the project is the Ombudsman of Iceland. Thanks to the implemented travels between representatives of the NMD (presumably National Movement for Children) and the Ombudsman of Iceland, a bilingual Proposal for Regulatory Framework and Establishment of a Children''s Ombudsman Institution in the Republic of Bulgaria (Policy Plan) was drafted and presented. This document will serve as support for future advocacy activities of the NMD before state institutions in Bulgaria.