TPD Ombudsman for Children, between law and reality

Abstract

In this article it was attempted to envision the way followed by societies over past 120 years “from establishing animal rights to social advocacy of Children’s Rights”. The evolution of awareness moved by development of social thought, caused that child’s welfare became legally protected. Here we wanted to present the achievements of TPD association, to emphasize its fundamental role, as well as to show the importance of TPD activity in Children’s Rights protection in Poland. As an illustration showing the essence of activity undertaken by TPD, serves the presentation of realization of the multi- year project called “advocacy, protection and monitoring of Children’s Rights”. In the presentation of the project, the organization and scope of work of social Children's Ombudsmen as well as, their achievements and effects of undertaken actions were showed. The outcomes of monitoring presented in this article, provide a map and a catalogue of children’s injustice and additionally characterize both victims and perpetrators. From the evaluation studies carried out during the project, it appears that personal contact and quick intervention are of the highest importance for the aggrieved. The advocacy of children’s rights is as well important because of its educational aspect influencing and shaping the legal awareness of children and potential offenders. Through such activities, we are aiming to bring children’s and adult’s rights closer and to dispel anxiety of both subjects to confront. As long as the Children’s Rights will be contravened, the Children's Ombudsmen will be needed. The ombudsmen who stand up for children’s rights, who are competent, effective and consistent, close to the child and close to the offender.