The Democratic Party (PD) has proposed the setting-up of an independent and specialised Ombudsman for Children to add another level of protection for children's rights and interests. 

Addressing Parliament during a debate on the Minor Protection Bill on Tuesday, PD leader Godfrey Farrugia described the draft law as a positive change towards child-centred alternative care, that would help provide a more stable family life for children deprived of one.

The proposal of a specialised Ombudsman, he said, would build on the new administrative framework. The new office could be under the remit of the Commissioner of Children, or part of the established structure within the Ombudsman’s Office, he added.

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"Children have a right to having their opinion listened to. This legal framework will strengthen the rights of children to be protected from violence, exploitation and neglect, whilst it ascertains their right to education, health, wellbeing and to grow up in a healthy family environment," PD said in a statement signed by its MEP candidates Anthony Buttigieg, Martin Cauchi Inglott and Camilla Appelgren.

"These are not one size fits all solutions. However, whatever measures are undertaken, these have to be decided and executed in a timely manner as such interventions are of essence in a child’s development."