A dialogue platform between the Ombudsperson for the Childrens Rights Protection and civil society was launched at a meeting of the Children’s Advocate with 27 representatives of the Alliance of NGOs in the field of Social Protection, Family and Child (APSCF). The first meeting of the Ombudsperson and the civil society representatives was organised by APSCF at the Republican Children and Youth Center ARTICO.

During the event, Maia Bănărescu introduced the priorities of the Ombudsman and her vision for the relationship with civil society; non-governmental sector representatives expressed their expectations of the Children's Ombudsperson.

President of the APSCF Mariana Ianachevici said that the intentions of the Children's Ombudsperson and the organization she represents coincided – it’s APSCF’sinterest to establish a permanent and constructive relationship with the Ombudsperson for Children's Rights as the Alliance advocated strongly for the establishment of this function.

Present at the meeting, the Head of the Center for Children and Youth ARTICO, Ludmila Botnari, expressed satisfaction with the fact that the first meeting of the Children's Ombudsman with civil society was hosted by the institution she represents. She showed confidence that the dialogue initiated will be good, and the collaboration - effective.

The participants spoke about the mission, priorities of the Ombudsperson for Children, expressed their wishes to the Ombudsman regarding th Protection of Child Rights.

Mariana Ianachevici said that he wants the Ombudsperson for Children to be truly independent, a competent lawyer and ear bent to the needs and interests of the child. Ms. Ianachevici also suggested the Ombudsperson to create a group of experts who help in formulating oral submissions to the authorities. Mariana Ianachevici and other participants mentioned that the Ombudsperson for Children's Rights should focus on the quality of the monitoring and make specific proposals to the authorities.

Executive Director of CRIC Gavriliuc Caesar, was referred to the role of Children’s Advocate in monitoring the implementation of the state policy in the field of child rights and to promote key messages.

Ana Racu from the UN Committee against Torture urged Maia Bănărescu be „uncomfortable” for the authorities when promoting initiatives and recommendations designed to protect the child's interests. Ana Racu and other speakers welcomed the Ombudsperson for Children's intention to establish a close cooperative relationship with the civil society, noting that the children will have the main benefit from this collaboration.

Agapedia Foundation Director, Ecaterina Mardaroviciadvised Ms. Bănărescu to set fewer priorities in order to have  enough time for achieving them. However, the Ombudsperson was encouraged to not allow compromises at the expense of children. Ecaterina Mardarovici wished the Children's Ombudsperson to accomplishher mandatewith dedication and passion.

The executive director of RCTV "Memoria", Ludmila Popovici, appreciated the fact that among the priorities announced by the Ombudsman for Children are the juvenile delinquency problems, but also those related to monitoring rights of minors in detention. She also mentioned the collaboration already established with Maia Bănărescu in the assessment of the situation of mothers-detainees with babies in penitentiaries and promoting the idea of ​​amnesty for this category of people.

Daniela Sîmboteanu from CNPAC welcomed the Children's Ombudsperson’s intention to maintain a constant dialogue with civil society, emphasizing the many benefits that this collaboration entailes.

Maia Bănărescu thanked for the suggestions and proposals, saying that systematic meetings on subjects of major importance are desirable. She also announced her intention to create an expert council, which will advise her when launching messages and proposals to the authorities.