Leaders from Georgia’s all religious denominations gathered at a special conference to discuss child rights and the role of religious leaders in promoting and protecting child rights.

The event was organized by the State Agency for Religious Issues and UNICEF Georgia and attended by the representatives from diplomatic and international organizations, Government agencies and civil society.  

During the conference the participants discussed such issues, as cooperation with faith-based organizations, the Convention on the Rights of the Child after 30 years, achievements and remaining challenges in Georgia, the Code on the Rights of the Child of Georgia, child rights in different religions, and the role of religious leaders in protecting and promoting child rights.

“We value our partnership with religious leaders and we want to make sure it brings tangible results for children. We have initiated an open and mutually respectful dialogue with all the religious denominations to mobilize their influence to promote child rights and end rights violations, such as violence against children, in their communities. UNICEF will continue strengthening this partnership with religious denominations in the best interests of children in Georgia”, - said Dr. Ghassan Khalil, UNICEF Representative in Georgia.