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Campaign against arranged child marriages launched...
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Campaign against arranged child marriages launched: Every child has right to carefree childhood and safe growing up
Published on: Mar 8, 2020 • 9:02 PM Author: PR Service
Podgorica, Montenegro (8 March 2020) -- We believe in a society where every child has the right to a carefree childhood and a safe growing up, the opportunity to educate and develop their potentials, therefore I am convinced, this campaign is a step closer to that goal, Minister of the Interior Mevludin Nuhodžić stated earlier today in Vrela Ribnička settlement in Podgorica, marking the launch of a public campaign against arranged child marriages. "Children from the Roma and Egyptian communities have rights like all other children and the obligation of all of us is to support them, not only as representatives of institutions, but also as citizens and as parents," Minister Nuhodžić pointed out.
British Ambassador to Podgorica Alison Kemp highlighted that the problem of arranged child marriages affects various communities worldwide, including young people in the United Kingdom, adding that changes are possible and will happen. "I am honoured that we have formally taken over the role of a partner in creation of this campaign. We all share the same values and a common goal to tackle the obstacles: to say that, regardless of origin, race or religion - women deserve an opportunity to live the life of their own choose. The research undertaken for the purposes of this campaign pointed to a clear stance of a large number of the Roma community representatives - particularly younger generations - who oppose arranged marriages," Ambassador Kemp stressed.
Chairperson of the Gender Equality Committee Nada Drobnjak noted that over the last twenty years, representatives of institutions have strived to help people from the Roma and Egyptian communities, who have changed themselves, their community and who have prevented not so small number of early arranged marriages. "But we cannot be satisfied as long as a single marriage is arranged, as long as a single child does not have the right to live his life to the fullest," she underlined.
"The US Embassy proudly supports the work in the local community, which aims to ensure respect for the children’s rights. We hope that during this campaign, many will understand how useful it is to allow children to simply be children, to allow them to grow up, to educate themselves and build a successful life," US Ambassador to Podgorica Judy Rising Reinke noted.
Taking part in this campaign, courageous activists of the Roma and Egyptian communities decided to contribute, through a personally positive example, to their communities in fight against arranged child marriage, Executive Coordinator of the Centre for Roma Initiatives Fana Delija underscored. "In addition to all the problems and dangers of this problem, we have decided to stand side by side with the institutions and stop marriage of young girls i.e. children," Delija said.
Mrs. Suzana Krasnić shared a personal experience of raising her two daughters in the Roma and Egyptian communities in Podgorica, with the participants of the event. She emphasised that, despite certain pressures of the environment, she did not allow her children to forma marriage before adulthood, but insisted that both of her daughters must have a normal childhood and successful completion of education, providing them with numerous opportunities for their future happy, successful and independent living.
In an interview with women and girls from the Roma and Egyptian communities, representatives of the Ministry of the Interior Željko Spalević, the Police Directorate Marko Brajović and the Centre for Social Work of the Capital of Podgorica Katarina Bijelić explained the applicable regulations and procedures for protecting children from arranged marriages. The state authorities are at the disposal of the Roma and Egyptian communities, as well as all potential victims of arranged child marriage in Montenegro, for all assistance and support in preventing and eradicating this negative social phenomenon, they noted.
The aim of the campaign, entitled "Children are children." is to raise the awareness of the harmful effects of arranged child marriage, which very seriously endanger the mental and physical health of children and impair their chances of leading a healthy and happy life as adults. As a rule, victims of arranged child marriages leave school early, which significantly limit their chances of future employment and a successful independent life. As a form of trafficking in human beings, arranged child marriages are also a serious crime punishable under the laws of Montenegro. Although the problem of child marriage is not exclusively related to the Roma and Egyptian communities, children in these communities are exposed the most to this risk. Therefore, the "Children are Children." Campaign will be especially focused on working with members of the Roma and Egyptian communities in Podgorica, Nikšić, Tivat and Berane.
The campaign is conducted by the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and the Police Directorate, in cooperation with the NGO Centre for Roma Initiatives, with the support of the British Embassy in Podgorica.
PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO
PHOTO AND VIDEO: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmLRhLiQ
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