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Law on the Ombudsman for Children 21.12.2004/1221

Regulation in accordance with the decision of Parliament:

1§
Field of activity

The Ombudsman for Children in connection with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health ensures that the situation and rights of children are taken account of in legislation and in societal decision-making. The qualification requirements and appointment of the Ombudsman for Children are stipulated by the government law.

2§
Duties

It is the duty of the Ombudsman for Children, in cooperation with other authorities as well as organisations in the field of activity and other actors, to promote the implementation of the interests and rights of children. The duties of the Ombudsman for Children are:

1. to assess the implementation of the interests and rights of children and to monitor the living conditions of children and adolescents;
2. to monitor legislation and societal decision-making and assess their impact on the welfare of children;
3. to develop initiatives, advice and guidance on matters relating to children in societal decision-making and to promote the realisation of children´s interests in society;
4. to maintain contacts with children and adolescents and provide them with information on decision-making;
5. to develop forms of cooperation between different actors;
6. to convey information concerning children to children, to those working with children, to authorities and other sections of the population; and
7. to promote in different ways the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations (59-60/1991).

3§

Annual report and plan of action

The Ombudsman for Children must submit a report annually on his/her field of activities to the government and must prepare a plan of action. The report on activities and plan of action are stipulated precisely by the government law.

4§
Advisory Board

In order to promote the situation and rights of children and cooperation related to them among authorities, the Ombudsman for Children is assisted by an Advisory Board, the appointment, composition, duties and working methods of which are stipulated precisely by the government law.

5§
Office

The Ombudsman for Children has an office. A sufficient number of civil servants and other members of staff assist the office, within budgetary limits.

6§
Right to information

The Ombudsman for Children is entitled to receive from other officials without charge sufficient information necessary for carrying out his/her duties, unless otherwise covered by confidentiality regulations.

7§
Precise regulations

The precise regulations concerning the implementation of this law are given as required by the government act.

8§
Entry into force

This law enters into force on the 1st day of September 2005. Prior to the entry into force of the law activities required for its implementation may be started.

HE 163/2004, StVM 32/2004, EV 183/20