30/08/2007 Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development
Strasbourg, 30.08.2007 - After talks with politicians, with the Ombudswoman for Children and with representatives of various NGOs during his visit to Ukraine from 27 to 30 August, Michael Hancock (United Kingdom, ALDE), Rapporteur for the PACE Social Affairs Committee, notes that, while the problem of children abandoned at birth persists, the authorities are committed to combating the phenomenon by introducing major reforms focusing on children's rights, with appropriate financial resources, the aim being to "de-institutionalise" this practice.
It emerged from the talks that these reforms are designed to encourage national adoption and the development of residential facilities such as "family homes".
Mr Hancock also quotes a pilot project involving the establishment of centres to which young mothers can entrust their newborn children for a period of one year, during which they receive financial assistance and may be provided with accommodation and vocational training.
"Every country," he says, "should respect all children and allow them to fulfil their potential, avoiding, whenever possible, long-term placements in institutions".