Today, the Office of the Commissioner for Children signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Local Government Division. The agreement was signed by Ms Antoinette Vassallo, Commissioner for Children and Ms Joyce Dimech, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government. The Agreement was signed in the presence of the Hon. Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, Dr Michael Falzon and the Hon. Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Ms Alison Zerafa Civelli.

The aim of the cooperative agreement is for the Office of the Commissioner for Children to strengthen its collaboration with the Local Government Division – Strategy and Policy Implementation headed by Ms Marisa Pisani. This agreement will ensure that children and their families are more actively involved within their local communities and make localities more child-friendly. Through this collaboration children’s rights will be prioritised.

During the signing event, Ms Vassallo emphasised the important role that Local Councils have in implementing children’s rights as well as the benefits of child participation in the locality. Ms Vassallo said that “Children make major contributions to the communities in which they live. Their energies, skills, aspirations, creativity and passion can provide great insights which will have a positive impact on the community as a whole”.