Tirana, 19 November 2021 – Civil society in Albania marched this morning against silence and institutional apathy towards violence against children. Just a few weeks ago the father barbarically beat his 6 years old daughter. She barely made alive to the hospital. Only after two weeks of extensive care, the doctors declared that her life was saved. Another 16-year-old girl was sexually abused in the family, while just two days ago an 8-year-old child was tragically raped to the point of taking his own life by his neighbor.
On the World Day for the Elimination of Violence and Exploitation of Children, CRCA / ECPAT Albania and partner organisations marched in major boulevard of the capital, to raise the voice on violence against children.
Albania is facing an increased violence against children and adolescents. Cases that have occurred over the years and all the violence that is inflicted on children, are indicators of the serious threat that violence in the family, society and institutions exerts on the life and well-being of the child!
In this difficult situation that seems to have gripped the country, CRCA / ECPAT Albania and our partners, chose to march on Friday, November 19, with the main goal of raising awareness of parents, family, society and institutions to prevent any form of violence against children, wherever it occurs.
The Director of CRCA / ECPAT Albania underlined that: “Cases of violence and exploitation of children are increasingly forcing us as civil society actors to become a united voice for the protection of the rights and the highest interest of our children. Violence against children is taking children’s lives! If we do not act today, tomorrow will be too late!”
The march, which was joined by the Speaker of the Albanian Parliament, Lindita Nikolla, crossed Skanderbeg Square in Tirana and continued alongside the Ministry of Interior, stopping in front of the Parliament of Albania.
Under the figurative noise of vuvuzelas and whistles, civil society organizations raised their voices for all the children who are victims of violence, and who do not find support or justice.
The march which was accompanied by the BLU Ribbon-the symbol of the campaign, it seeks to inform children and citizens where they can report incidents of violence against children, where may seek help and why violence is so harmful to children.