Terre des hommes in Kosovo is launching a national campaign aimed to raise social awareness about the situation of children in street situations. This campaign will be conducted as part of the Action "Protecting vulnerable children in Kosovo” - financially supported by the European Union in Kosovo and UNICEF in Kosovo, implemented by Terre des hommes.
Children in street situations are among the most marginalized and vulnerable categories in Kosovo. They experience severe violations of their rights both before and during their time on the streets. These children face multiple deprivations and are exposed to violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation.
To prevent child begging and child labor, it is crucial to raise social awareness about these rights violations and discourage the demand for begging and labor.
Therefore, the national campaign aims to inform, sensitize, and educate the public not to give money to children begging in the streets or children cleaning car windows at traffic lights, as it increased the demand for begging and child labor, and thus negatively impacts their welfare, health and education. Furthermore, the campaign aims to also raise the institutional awareness regarding the challenges faced by children in street situations due to their vulnerability and exposure to violence, stigma, and social exclusion. The campaign will be implemented through a child rights-based approach.
The UNICEF 2024 Study on Children in Street Situation has provided the evidence-based data that has informed the design, shaping, and direction of the campaign. The campaign will run through the summer period, especially the months of August and September, when the number of children on the streets is higher.
The national campaign will be disseminated at different levels. First, an awareness-raising video will be broadcast on two main TV channels. Second, in cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, campaign billboards and leaflets will be displayed at border crossings points, as well as in Prishtina, Prizren, and Fushë Kosovë municipalities. Additionally, the campaign will utilize digital media channels with focus on spreading awareness through informative and call-to-action posts, encouraging the reporting of, and promoting the prevention of violence against children in street situations.
Watch the campaign video in this link: Facebook
