Georgia

Save the Children International demands children's rights be prioritized by urging law enforcement to adopt child-sensitive practices during police operations. During police raids, particularly those involving the arrest of parents or legal guardians, it is paramount to prioritize the best interests of the child, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), specifically Article 3. The organization highlights that the detention of a parent without ensuring children's safety and emotional well-being can violate essential standards, including General Comment No. 13, which calls for protective measures, and General Comment No. 14, emphasizing the need for child-sensitive responses in legal contexts.To mitigate risks to child welfare during search and seizure operations, Save the Children recommends minimizing children's exposure, providing emotional support through child welfare professionals, offering age-appropriate explanations, and creating safe spaces away from stressful situations. It is crucial for governments and law enforcement agencies to uphold these child rights-based practices, ensuring that the dignity and well-being of children are central to all policing activities. By committing to these standards, we can foster a safer environment for children and uphold their fundamental rights.

Save the Children is deeply concerned about the recent events in Georgia, particularly their impact on children and young adults. We are calling for the protection of their rights, including the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.