Zagreb - In 2023, there was a 13% increase in cases of children's rights violations compared to the previous year, with an especially alarming 80% rise in school violence, warned the Children's Ombudsperson, Helenca Pirnat Dragičević, while presenting the annual report in Parliament on Wednesday.
"In 2023, we engaged with around 1,300 children, whose messages we convey in our reports. We recorded an increase of 13% in the number of reports of children's rights violations than in the previous year, a total of 2,183 cases," Pirnat Dragičević said.
Most complaints were related to the judiciary and education, she added. She also pointed out that the previous year was marked by traumatic war events worldwide, which children were exposed to through the media.
Increase in detailed reports on violent events cannot positively influence young people's development
"The rise in detailed media reports on violent incidents, from domestic and peer violence to war reports, and their dissemination on social networks cannot positively influence the development of young people, who are already anxious and worried about their future," she warned.
She also highlighted an increase in domestic violence as well as violence in educational institutions, which rose by 80% in 2023.
"It is our responsibility to send children an unequivocal message that all forms of violence are unacceptable and that every act of violence will be sanctioned," she emphasised.
The ombudsperson also highlighted concerning data on child fatalities. In 2023, 21 children lost their lives in traffic accidents, seven were murdered, seven died by suicide, and 43 attempted suicide.
"These tragic events highlight the need for greater investment in preventive programmes and additional support for children and parents in all areas, particularly education, justice, social welfare, and healthcare. Urgent and systemic changes are necessary," she stressed.
As positive developments in 2023, she mentioned the reduction in the risk of poverty, the construction of new kindergartens across the country, increased child allowances, the return of children to renovated schools, and the provision of warm meals in schools.
Miletić: 70% of high school students have gambled at least once
Bridge party MP Marin Miletić highlighted the growing problem of gambling addiction, noting that 70% of high school students have gambled at least once.
"We advocated stricter regulation, but instead, the standards were lowered. Initially, betting shops were required to be 1,000 metres away from schools, but this has now been reduced to 500 metres," said Pirnat Dragičević.
SDP MP Marija Lugarić pointed out the lack of accommodation for children without parental care, particularly for those under the age of seven.
"There is also a shortage of accommodation for children with behavioural disorders, which is why great hope is placed in the 'Iskorak' programme, aimed at improving the protection of these children's rights," Lugarić said.
Dubravka Lipovac Pehar from the Homeland Movement party questioned the ombudsperson about a section of the report that "criticises the observance of Bread Day and prayer before meals".
Mrak Taritaš: Government ignores children's mental health; 585 schools lack psychologists
"It is important to emphasise that religious education in Croatia is an elective subject. We advocate for children who do not choose religious education to have alternative activities so that they are in a safe place and environment during that time," the ombudsperson replied.
Anka Mrak Taritaš (HSS, GLAS, DOSIP) particularly emphasised the issue of children's and young people’s mental health.
"The government continues to ignore the mental health of children and youth. It has twice rejected a proposal to ensure psychological support for all students in all schools," she said, pointing out that 585 schools in Croatia still do not have psychologists.
Anita Curiš Krok (SDP) expressed concern that institutions are not heeding the ombudsperson's recommendations.
In 2023, 71 general recommendations, warnings, or statements were issued to relevant authorities to improve child protection, of which 32 were accepted, but only 10 were implemented.
SDP and We Can! propose introducing universal child allowance
Curiš Krok also advocated the introduction of a universal child allowance to reduce child poverty.
Dubravka Novak (We Can!) supported the same measure, stating that a universal child benefit would ensure equal opportunities for every child.
Anđelka Salopek (HDZ) highlighted positive measures such as free meals, textbooks, and transportation in primary schools, the organisation of full-day school programmes, and the transition to single-shift school operations.
Providing free meals is commendable, but secondary schools have been left out, noted Milorad Pupovac (SDSS), arguing that this right should be extended to high school students.
Pupovac also stressed that special attention should be given to children in island communities and in underdeveloped areas, including returnee communities and depopulated regions, regardless of children's ethnic background.