\u201cHope For Children\u201d CRC Policy Center realized a Press Conference today\nthat was exclusively addressed to children and youth on the occasion of the\nmeasures taken to prevent the spread of virus COVID-19. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As adults, children\u2019s daily routine has abruptly changed too. Children\nare forced to adjust to a new reality without being prepare for this change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As it is provided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child (article\n17), every child must have access to information and material that aims to\npromote their social, mental, moral, psychical and spiritual health. This\ninformation should be immediate and in an understandable language to the child,\nresponding to the their cognitive and developmental level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the Conference, practical ideas and solutions were given on how\nchildren can face this situation for the upcoming period. Knowledge is the tool\nand the power for children and their parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Opening the Conference, the Director of the Humanitarian Division, Ms.\nAndria Neocleous referred to the measures taken by Hope For Children at this\ncrucial period so that the Organization can continue to be next to the children\nwho need help. She specifically mentioned: \u201cWe continue to provide therapeutical\nand support services to children victims of all forms of violence, we\nimmediately respond to missing children cases and we provide support to foster\nparents. At the same time, our staff remains next to the unaccompanied children\naccommodated at the children\u2019s shelters of the Organization and responds to the\nphonecalls and messages coming from the online chat on a 24\/7 basis\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ms. Dialechti Chatzoudi, Coordinator of the Psychology Department, encouraged children to share unpleasant feelings that they may experience this period with people they trust. Also, once a day to be informed only from valid sources and with the assistance of their parents. At the same time, taking into consideration that under these circumstances, problems like violence against children continue occurring and may also increase, she stressed: \u201cDuring this period we may use the internet and social media more in order to communicate with others. It is very important that we are careful for our safety, in order to avoid abusive behaviors, such as cyber bullying or breach of our personal data\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Michalis Angastiniotis, Pediatrician and former Director of the\nPediatric Unit of Makarios Hospital, participated at the Press Conference and explained\nto the children the importance of the protection measures for both themselves\nand for those around them. In specific he mentioned \u201cFor a while, you will not\nbe able to play with your friends as you did before\u2026 In order to protect\nyourselves it is important to keep around two meters distance even from the\npeople you love..\u201d, while he continued explaining practical measures that\nchildren can apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his statement, the Director-General of Hope For Children Mr. Joseph\nBorghese said: \u201cWe are in constant communication with all stakeholders such as\nthe Ministry of Education and Culture, exploring ways of cooperation in order\nto strengthen the support towards all children\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every child\u2019s health and access to medical care is one of their fundamental and basic rights, as it is established on article 24 of the UN Convection on the Rights of the Child. The state and society has to make sure that this right is not violated and that everyone is actively contributing to the application of this right in order to preserve not only the psychical, but the mental health of all children. \u201cHope For Children\u201d CRC Policy Center helpline 22 103234 and the online chat at: www.uncrcpc.org.cy<\/a> are available to all children and parents to give support and guidance on a 24hour basis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Watch the Press Conference below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n