In recent days, the Human Rights Defender's Office has recorded incidents of a group of individuals, including public figures, visiting public schools and requesting access to schools from school principals and teaching staffs in order to engage children in political demonstrations and and marches. At the same time, the publicized videos show that the individuals who visited the schools with the intention of engaging children in these mass events got involved in disputes with the principals or teaching staff, causing tension. They were also chanting and calling with loudspeakers.
The Human Rights Defender's Office has also received concerns from students' parents in relation to their children's involvement from schools in the demonstrations and their protection. Parents have noted that for those reasons they refuse to take their children to school.
The Defender’s Office has examined these incidents and complaints following international rules and practices, as well as the circumstances of the particular situation.
First of all, the principle of the best interests of the child is central to all child-related issues. One should always consider the child's best interest as an absolute value and consider its obstruction as a violation of the rights of the child. A child’s protection and security, the unimpeded realization of all his/her rights are of paramount importance.
The Human Rights Defender clearly understands the child’s right to the freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom to participate in other peaceful events stipulated by international documents. However, this does not mean, that third parties can carry out propaganda during the classes at schools in order to engage them in an event of political nature.
The Defender, vested with the mandate to monitor implementation of the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as to protect and prevent child’s rights violations, in particular situations, finds unacceptable the attempts to engage children in demonstrations and marches through visits to schools. It is especially dangerous when such attempts and calls are made by public figures.
In relation to all activities concerning secondary schools, it should be taken into consideration that the Principal and teaching staff of the school bear responsibility of ensuring the life and health of pupils and of protecting their rights and freedoms.
Over the past few days, a series of clashes between the police and demonstrators, as well as demonstrators and other citizens have been recorded.
On April 16, the police used special means as a result of which incidents of physical injuries were recorded.
The police issued official statements noting that during the demonstrations cases were recorded, when the life and health of citizens, as well as public safety were endangered as a result of violence, destruction and damage to property.
What should also be taken into consideration is the statement of the police about termination of the demonstration, its dispersion and the possibility of using of special means.
Besides, during the visits of the Defender's representatives to police divisions, it was revealed that there are also juveniles among the apprehended. According to the obtained information, some of them are involved in criminal proceedings.
In the existing situation, protecting children and ensuring their safety are of priority. Besides, there is apparent violation of children’s right to education.