UN special award for an outstanding human rights achievement in protection and promotion of the rights of children, especially children belonging to marginalized groups 2024

UN special award for an outstanding human rights achievement in protection and promotion of the rights of children, especially children belonging to marginalized groups 2024 was won by the Association for the Empowerment of the Child and the Family "AVE Copii".

For over 30 years, the Association for the Empowerment of the Child and the Family "AVE Copii" has been a cornerstone of child protection in Moldova, advocating for the rights of vulnerable children, including refugees, stateless children, Roma children, and those with disabilities. Their efforts have strengthened national child welfare systems, training hundreds of professionals in 2024 alone.

Key initiatives include integrating Roma refugee children into schools, supporting unaccompanied and separated children, and advocating for systemic reforms for children with disabilities. In 2024, AVE Copii provided critical services to Ukrainian refugee children, offering psychological support, educational assistance, and social integration programs to help them cope with trauma.

Through partnerships with UNICEF and UNHCR, AVE Copii has enhanced child protection mechanisms, trained social workers and law enforcement, and established community monitoring systems. Educational workshops for parents in vulnerable communities focused on positive parenting, child development, and access to social services, empowering families to nurture their children.

While AVE Copii collaborates with UN agencies, their activities are independently funded, with limited direct financial support from the UN. Their impactful work reflects a strong commitment to UN principles of inclusion, equity, and child rights advocacy at national and international levels.