Cyprus Commissioner for Protection of Children’s Rights sworn in

Leda Koursoumba was sworn in as Cyprus’ first Commissioner for the Protection of Children’s Rights, at a special ceremony, at the Presidential Palace, in the presence of President of the Republic Tassos Papadopoulos.
In his speech at the ceremony, President Papadopoulos assured that the government would do its utmost to ensure the protection of children’s rights and support the Commissioner’s work.
“Our goal is to improve children’s life in our society. The government will contribute in a responsible and consistent manner towards this goal,” he pledged.
Children’s rights, he stressed, must be protected in the family, at school, and in all aspects of society.
In her speech, Koursoumba said this was an historic day for all the children in Cyprus since, for the first time, they will have their own institution to protect their rights.
“I aim to meet as many children as possible, to listen to them and promote their views where the children themselves cannot be heard,” she added.
The Commissioner said that her office has already drafted a three-year action plan for the period 2008 – 2010 to promote children’s rights.