The Romanian Chamber of Deputies has adopted a law that stipulates that starting from 2025, the Parliament, the Presidential Administration, the Government, the authorities of local public administration, as well as the public institutions under their subordination or coordination, will annually organize at least one series of consultations with children.
The Chamber of Deputies is the decision-making body, so the project moves for promulgation.
This project regulates the participation of children, aged at least 14, in decision-making processes in central and local public administration.
During these sessions with children, institutions are required to provide a protected framework for dialogue that encourages participation regarding topics of interest to minors.
Responsibilities of the institutions:
- they will plan a dedicated mechanism for consultations with children regarding topics of interest to them, which will be activated based on the activities and decisions of the respective institution to the extent that they are relevant to children's rights issues
- they must publish, on their own websites, in a language accessible to children, a general presentation of the institution, as well as the annual objectives regarding dedicated activities and opportunities for children's involvement.
- The content of the web pages in a child-friendly language is developed in consultation with children, involving them in the process and ensuring that the language and content are adapted, appropriate, and attractive to children.
- The Parliament, the Presidential Administration, the General Secretariat of the Government / the Prime Minister's Chancellery, the ministries, the county councils, and the city halls appoint a person responsible for carrying out the children's participation process.
- The responsible person collaborates with pre-university educational units, civil society organizations, including youth organizations, international organizations, and other relevant entities to identify and encourage the participation of a wide range of children, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds or belonging to national minorities.
Within 120 days from the publication of the law in the Official Gazette, the National Authority for the Rights of the Child and Adoption will develop and propose for adoption, by order of the Minister of Family, the guide on organizing and conducting consultations with children by central and local public authorities.
The initiator of this bill is Natalia Intotero, the Minister of Family, in her capacity as a deputy, and is supported by 41 deputies.