TIRANA – “In Albania, like almost everywhere in Europe and globally, confinement measures and the disrupted provision of child protection services exacerbate the vulnerability of children living in poverty, in temporary shelters, in residential care institutions, in so called “developmental centres” for children with disabilities, in penitentiary and immigration detention centres and other closed facilities, because cases of violence, sexual abuse and exploitation of children are likely to grow and go undetected,” has warned a statement released by the press department of UNICEF Office in Albania.
UNICEF Albania echoes the statement issued by the leaders of child rights and child protection organizations on April 8 this year and calls on the Government of Albania, all public and non-public sector organizations, to urgently address child protection measures to help safeguard the welfare of thousands of children who may be more exposed to violence, exploitation, trafficking and sexual abuse during the COVID-19 emergency.
“The lockdown at home and elsewhere placed incredible burden also on parents and care givers, whose livelihood has been halted, and now they must look after children, the elderly, the household, while trying to make the economic ends meet,” said the press release. According to it, the COVID-19 situation significantly impacted overall mental health and psychological well-being of everyone, adding up to other risks.
It is expressed the fear that the loss of basic household income is disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable children, and it makes them an easy prey for forced labour, domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, and other adverse situations. “The data coming from the international law enforcement organizations and watchdogs indicates that since COVID-19 pandemic there is a rapid increase in the numbers of cybercrimes, such as sexual grooming online, live streaming of child sexual abuse and the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material.’
In face of the alarming situation UNICEF Albania proposes among others immediate strengthening of child and social protection system, national child help line 116 111 and other remote (online or phone based) psychological counseling services must be supported to be able to operate 24/7 without interruption, temporary shelters for victims of abuse or those at immediate and high risk, engagement of para-professional work force, children themselves must be empowered to participate actively in responding to this crisis,
“UNICEF Albania is already providing technical and financial support to state and non-state bodies across all 5 core areas of response and we intend to continue doing so as long as it is required. However, this is an appeal to everyone, because the challenges are way too big for any single entity to handle alone – we are all in this together, for every child!” concluded the statement. /argumentum.al
