TRIPOLI, 2 May 2013 – In the framework of the Ministry of Social Affairs and UNICEF-supported project on building capacity of social workers and deepening their knowledge of child rights, a 4-day workshop on how to realize best interests of the child in social service interventions was facilitated with 20 social service instructors from the Tripoli University

The Minister of Social Affairs, HE Kamla Khamis Mazini, and UNICEF Libya Country Director, Mr Carel de Rooy handed out certificates to the participants at the closing ceremony, which took place in Dar Al Tifl today.

The Minister of Social Affairs said "Pre-service and in-service training on child rights and social service is crucial for implementing progressive social policies in Libya."

The training which started on Sunday, provided the skills and knowledge in child rights and social services based on the general principles and provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which was ratified by the government in April 1993. In addition, the training introduced the concept of proactive social work and case management in child protection. The overall aim of the training was how to realize the best interests of the child in social service interventions.

"Without the commitment of the Libyan government towards children's rights, we would not have come this far," said de Rooy, and added "The government, civil society and the Libyan people are willing to make the necessary changes to realize the full potential of all Libyan children, and they will achieve this despite the many challenges ahead."

This training, delivered by the international expert in child rights Dr. Ghassan Khalil, is part of a preliminary series of workshops also targeting judges, prosecutors and police. Once these workshops are complete, they will provide the elements to develop a capacity building framework for government institutions working with children. The aim is to achieve a cohesive and safe environment for the development of all Libyan children.

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UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. For more information about UNICEF and its work visit: www.unicef.org
For more information about UNICEF's work in education visit:www.unicef.org/education or www.educationandtransition.org
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For further information, please contact:
Mr Samir Badran
Communication Specialist, UNICEF Libya
+218 91 93 59 765
sbadran@unicef.org

Or in the UNICEF Regional Office:
Simon Ingram
Regional Chief of Communication, Amman, Jordan
+962 79 590 4740
singram@unicef.org