The Ombudsman participates in the ENOC Annual Conference

From 19 to 21 September, Ombudsman Mr Juris Jansons and Head of Communication and International Cooperation Division Ms Ruta Silina are in Reykjavik, Iceland, attending the European Network of Ombudspersons for Children (ENOC) Annual Conference and Annual General Assembly.

This year, the main topic for ENOC’s activities has been climate justice from a children’s rights perspective. The Annual Conference will thoroughly address the main findings of ENOC’s research on Climate Justice, along with valuable insights from the young people participating in the European Network of Young Advisors (ENYA). Among other, experts have gathered information on existing and/or missing justice mechanisms (i.e., prevention, complaints, reparation, compensation mechanisms) that enable or prevent children and adults to enjoy a wide array of rights related to the environment. They also provided useful input and suggestions regarding children’s engagement in climate activism, climate actions to mitigate environmental impact and child participation in environmental policy and decision-making. They stressed the pivotal role of human rights education, as well as the right to a healthy environment, as a way of empowering children to stand up for their rights.