Young Ambassador

This initiative mainly aims at the promotion of the concept of Children’s Participation in Decision-making within the Cypriot society. This concept is included in the fundamental rights of children as those who are described by the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child. The article 12 of the above Convention, emphasizes that children have the right to participate in decision-making processes that may be relevant in their lives within the family, the school or the community. Specifically, children have the right to express their views in all matters affecting them and requires that those views must be heard and given due weight in accordance with the child’s age and maturity. Ivi, through her popularity with the public and young people in particular, will be able to promote healthy behaviors and principles in children, encouraging their participation in the decision-making.

During the ceremony, the Director- General of the “Hope For Children” CRC Policy Center, Mr. Joseph Varughese, stressed that this is the first time in Cyprus that a Cypriot teenager is appointed as Ambassador for the rights of the children, and stated: “We strongly believe that the appointment of Ivi will introduce the concept of children’s participation in decision-making in the Cypriot society”.

After her appointment, Ivi thanked the organization for offering her the opportunity to participate in these efforts by appointing her as Ambassador, and said that “We should always take into account the children’s opinions and discuss with them”

Taking this opportunity, Mr. Giorgos Theofanous, as the Goodwill Ambassador of the organization and the Council of Europe Campaign “One in Five – to stop sexual abuse against children” congratulated Ivi and added: “We, as artists have an important role to play in the development and protection of children, by promoting essential principles in order to help them grow into healthy adults”.