Skopje, 1 November 2024 (MIA) - Minister of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, Fatmir Limani met Friday with UNICEF Representative to North Macedonia Lesley Miller and her associates, discussing the importance of improving and strengthening the child protection system, implementation of European Child Guarantee Program - EU's mechanism preventing social exclusion of at-risk children by guaranteeing access to key and basic social services.

Minister Limani said that the analysis required for its implementation is almost finished and expressed hope that the country will soon become the first in the region to implement the program, the Ministry of Social Policy, Democracy and Youth said in a press release.

Interlocutors also discussed the European Commission's report which highlights the need for opening the social protection system and greater access to social services. Progress was also noted in the implementation of the National Deinstitutionalization Strategy (2018-2027).

UNICEF representatives pointed out that North Macedonia is a leader in the region for the de-institutionalization of children, since there are no children living in institutions.

"With the implementation of the Child Guarantee Program, we will help national and local authorities in North Macedonia to strengthen public finance management for better planning, budgeting and implementation of the budget for basic social services for at-risk children - in the sphere of child and social protection, healthcare, and education," said UNICEF representatives. ssh/ik/

Photo: Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth