Children’s Commissioner presents two reports to political parties

The Office of the Commissioner for Children has presented two documents concerning the promotion and protection of children's rights.

The office, headed by former Nationalist MP Helen D'Amato said the two documents; the Manifesto for Children 2013 and the Research Study on Minors in Advertising and During Election Campaigns were presented to all political parties in the past few days.

"Both the Manifesto and the Research Study on Minors in advertising and electioneering are to serve as useful guidelines and a point of reference in the work of the political parties, particularly as Malta fast approaches a General Election," the commissioner said.

The Manifesto for Children 2013 includes a number of recommendations to improve the promotion and protection of the best interests of Maltese children.

"The Manifesto for Children aims to present a number of concrete proposals, in a clear and concise manner, to further strengthen the best interests of the child. One hopes that such proposals are taken on board by the political parties in their electoral programme, and become part of Government's work plan following the general election. This document by no means is, or tries to be, exhaustive in its analysis of the present situation and the remedies required," the office added.

The research study on Minors in Advertising and During Election Campaigns was compiled academic and media personality, Andrew Azzopardi.

"Children are among the most vulnerable members of our society and thus require the highest form of protection from any negative influences of advertising, particularly during an election campaign. The research study comprises a number of proposals and recommendations which have been forwarded to serve also as a guideline during the election campaign," the Commissioner for Children said.

The two documents can be accessed online on the commissioner's webpage.