New children’s rights code comes into force

A new code of children’s rights has come into force today on September 1 to protect, develop and improve the life of children in Georgia.

The code was adopted in its third and final reading on September 20, 2019.  

What is really important about this code is that it puts the best interest of children, of Georgia’s children first, and it does that in the framework of the UN Convention on Children and it does that in the framework of families, and the importance of families in any society, especially here in Georgia. So, I am very pleased to be here as part of this initiative. Thank you,” said US Ambassador Kelly Degnan.

Since September 2019, structural child care and protection units have been established in 64 municipalities and about 200 social workers and 64 code coordinators have been retrained for the municipalities.

Meanwhile, judges, lawyers and legal aid officers as well as about 400 public servants have been retrained.

Moreover, a child aid call center, reachable at the number 111, has been developed.  

Three years ago, we launched the reform to play a crucial role in the protection and development of every child, as well as to improve of democracy and society,” said the Chair of the Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee, Sofo Kiladze.

I congratulate Georgia on the adoption of the code and hope that it will significantly improve the life of the children in the country”, UNICEF Georgia Representative Ghassan Khalil said.

Today is a very special day for children of ???????? as Code on the Rights of the Child enters into force & congratulate our partners, our children. Implementation of the Code requires significant efforts, & UNICEF is ready to support this process to ensure better life #ForEveryChild pic.twitter.com/NNQMCVk7Fw

— Ghassan Khalil (@GKUNICEF) September 1, 2020

The implementation of the code requires significant vigor and UNICEF is committed to facilitating this process. Our aid envisages the provision of compliance of the legislation of Georgia with the code, creation of enforcement mechanisms, specialization of the professionals and the development of the certain instruments and guidelines for the work with the children”, he added.

The draft code was developed with the engagement of UNICEF, the EU, USAID and FES.

What has changed in the new code of children’s rights?

• A parent cannot withdraw the deposit of a child without permission of a court
• Disposal of real estate owned by a child by his parent or other legal representative may occur in the best interests of the child, with the consent of the court
•  Children under 18 will receive free legal aid 
• All government agencies are obliged to provide a friendly and adapted environment for children where they will be served by public servants specialized in child protection
• In extreme cases, the separation of a child from a family is decided only by a judge
• The state is obliged to provide socially vulnerable families with financial assistance
• Parents have the opportunity to appeal to internet service providers to restrict access to websites that are dangerous for children
• Websites that display movies, animated films, TV series, and games are required to show special age markings for programmes which are inappropriate for minors under 18, 15, 12 and seven
• TV companies are obliged not to broadcast inappropriate programmes for minors under 18 from 6 pm to midnight, for minors under 15 from 6 pm to 11 pm; 6 pm to 9 pm for a minor under 12 years