UK National Authority for Children’s Rights Protection (ANPDC) announces new protection measures for the children whose parents are gone abroad

January 25, 2007

Comment: This article confirms the urgency of finding appropriate solutions for the protection of Romanian children left behind by their migrant parents. If today the reports estimate up to 40’000 children facing such situation, this phenomenon has been detected for years already by NGOs. The consequences on children’ welfare are very problematic. The fact that human trafficking is mentioned by Mr. Panait shows a real concern from the Romanian authorities at the national level.

The article also confirms the need of involving the Consultative Councils in the local child protection scheme. The statement of the Head of ANPDC implies the official recognition of the power and the responsibilities of these councils at the local level to improve the protection of these children. Unfortunately, the need of specific training on case management is not mentioned.

The recognition of the role of the civil society sector is also very important. In addition to the assistance given to the child, the relative caring after him/her should also benefit from special support.

From a long term perspective, it remains however to be monitored whether the numbers of children left home by migrant parents will change now that Romania is member of EU. Differently from what Mr. Panait argues, the parents, due to free movement of persons rules and other EU citizenship entitlements, might commence to find it easier to migrate with their children or have them joining in later on.