Ombudsman for Children surprised

Russian Ombudsman for Children Pavel Astakhov recently paid a working
visit to Ingushetia. Within the framework of his inspection he visited
children’s institutions, met officials and expressed surprise at what
he saw.

Firstly, the Ombudsman for Children was shocked that there are so many
children playing on the streets of Ingush cities and villages. He
urged the authorities to organize recreation for them.

Secondly, Astakhov was puzzled about maternity funds. Fraudsters use
various schemes, cashing certificates, taking the lion’s share of the
money for themselves. However, such cases are common throughout
Russia. The ombudsman had a long discussion on this issue with Ingush
President Yunus-Bek Yevkurov. The president said that he had discussed
the issue with the head of the prosecutor’s office and heads of city
and village administrations. They are also working with the Pension
Fund Management in Ingushetia.

Thirdly, Astakhov pointed out the overcrowding in children’s
institutions. The sleeping accommodation had not been designed for
such numbers of children. He believes that it is time to raise the
issue of handing back all socially-oriented structures. Russia had
‘lost’ over 50% of its nurseries in the last 20 years, the social
sphere has continually diminished, yet this has affected Ingushetia
least of all.

Fourthly, the ombudsman urged for statistical information to be put in
order, because the finances are issued based on statistics. According
to Ingush official information, there are 241.6 thousand children
living in the republic, other data puts the figure at 182.6 thousand.
Both documents presented to Astakhov were dated 1st January 2010.

Fifthly, Astakhov had many questions about the definition of
children’s legal status. The problem is that wedding registration is not practiced in Ingushetia, which is why there are so many single mothers. Defining their status will give children the right to housing, education, healthcare and benefits. Without legal status, children will have no access to state services.

Sixthly, the ombudsman noted that alimony payments are non-existent in
Ingushetia.

Seventhly, Astakhov was surprised that there are only two children in
the regional database registered as being without parental care, when
in fact there are over 200 such children.

Eighthly, the ombudsman was amazed that the stated
organizational-legal basis of some institutions does not coincide with
reality. There are institutions for orphans and parentless children,
children from declining and single-parent families. An institution’s
sphere of work depends on its organizational-legal status. Ingushetia
is also using the concept of ‘half-orphan’ which does not exist.

But all the points listed above are interlinked with the strong family
traditions that lead to so many parentless children living in state
institutions. People have preserved their cultural originality and
traditions, the ombudsman said. Relatives try to take the children
under their wing. The republic is also implementing the regional
program aimed at improving the well-being of children. “The staff of
social institutions are often unaware of more effective ways of
working. We are there to help and teach those that want to grow in
their profession. My executive office, the ‘special children’s force’
as I call it, is at your service”, Astakhov said, noting that he had
agreed with Yevkurov on holding regular training seminars.

Astakhov noted that the efficiency of executive power in the regions
will be rated based on child protection. “There are 300 thousand fewer
children in Russia every year. For 10-15 years the country will remain
in a demographic ‘pit’. The children grow up and they have no one to
replace them. For example, the USA has 72 million children, Russia has
26.7 million”, the ombudsman said. The number of criminal cases
brought against children is rising. Protecting children’s rights is a
priority objective of the government. According to Astakhov, any
decision in Russia must be considered from the position of protection
of children’s rights
.
Pavel Tsoroyev, Nazran. Exclusively for VK