Eurochild welcomes progress in children's rights in Czechia
Czechia will appoint their first Children's ombudsman and has set up Children's Participation Group at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
Children's Ombudsman
On January 22, the Czech Chamber of Deputies approved an amendment to the Ombudsman Act that establishes a children's ombudsman. This long-awaited initiative places Czechia alongside Austria, Germany, and Portugal as one of the last four EU countries to introduce such an office.
By creating a children's ombudsman, Czechia will fulfill the repeated request of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, which is based on the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This convention was ratified in the former Czechoslovakia in February 1991.
The Children's Ombudsman will focus on protecting children's rights in line with the Convention. In addition to overseeing the implementation of these rights, the ombudsman will be responsible for educating the public, monitoring compliance, and intervening in specific court cases, such as custody disputes.
The amendment introduces a model with two separate ombudsman: one focusing on general issues, while the children's ombudsman will work alongside them. To qualify, the ombudsman must be over 35 years old, hold a law degree, and have spent at least half of the past decade promoting or protecting children's rights. The amendment also allows judges and magistrates, particularly those involved in custody cases, to apply for the position.
Scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, the amendment will strengthen children's rights, unify key stakeholders in the care system, provide in-depth analysis and research, and ensure greater child participation, including representation in court cases when necessary. The amendment will be now submitted to the Upper Chamber and President for approval. The financial resources are, however, completely uncertain.
Children's Participation at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs
Involving children and young people in decision-making is not only about adopting a modern approach but, more importantly, about respecting their rights and voices.
A recent meeting of the Children's Participation Group at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs provided valuable insights. Young people aged 15-21 emphasized that participation is more than simply expressing an opinion—it means being genuinely involved in public matters, based on trust and respect.
The discussion touched on the role of the Children's Ombudsman, with participants noting that the ombudsman should be both professional and empathetic, fostering open communication with children. A suggestion was made that children should have a direct role in selecting the ombudsman, which could further strengthen their trust in the institution.
The Children´s Participation Group has been, however, picked by adult civil servants, thus passing by the national Parliament of Children and Youth (established 1998) where youngsters elect their representatives directly from bottom up, based on school, municipal and regional parliaments of children and youth.
Eurochild welcomes this significant step and congratulates Czechia for this initiative
Eurochild network along with its Czech member Alliance for the Rights of the Child welcomes this progress that marks a pivotal moment in Czechia's commitment to upholding children's rights and ensuring that their voices are not only heard but actively shape the decisions that affect their lives. The establishment of the Children´s Ombudsman and the emphasis on meaningful participation reflect a growing recognition of children as key stakeholders in society, deserving of respect and representation. As the amendment takes effect and the ombudsman´s office begins its work, it offers an opportunity for lasting change in how children's rights are protected and promoted. With continued collaboration, transparency, and empathy, Czechia is paving the way for a more inclusive and just future for its youngest citizens.
