Belarus supports UNICEF efforts in maternity, child protection

MINSK, 4 September (BelTA) – Belarus supports UNICEF efforts in maternity and child protection. Belarus’ position was voiced at the second regular session of the Executive Board of the United Nations Children’s Fund in the UN headquarters in New York on 3-6 September. Belarus is taking part in the meeting as an observer, BelTA learnt from the press service of the Foreign Mniistry of Belarus.

In the discussion of the draft UNICEF strategic plan for 2014-2017, the Belarusian delegation praised the Fund’s approaches to the program activity in the participating countries keeping in mind a planned increase in the minimal level of financing of the country programs and assistance to all the states regardless their income level, including middle-income countries such as Belarus.

The Belarusian delegation also hailed the Fund’s efforts in enhancing parents’ responsibility for children upbringing, protection of the rights of disabled children, combating HIV/AIDS as well as bad habits among young people.

The UNICEF also focused its attention on the fight against trafficking in persons. In this respect the Belarusian delegation expressed hope that UNICEF would continue its activity in this direction.

According to the Foreign Ministry, while in New York the Belarusian delegation is expected to take part in the debates on the UNICEF further activity in maternity and child protection, partake in the consideration of draft decisions and resolutions.