Children's ombudsmen in the regions will be able to get broad powers

Head of State Vladimir Putin offered to give children's ombudsmen of all regions of Russia additional powers.

The President submitted his proposals to the State Duma with the form of a package of draft laws. They will allow minority advocates to make more independent decisions and even repeal decrees and ordinances of local authoritiesif such decisions of officials in any way violate the rights and interests of children.

Of course, they can contact the prosecutor's office, the guardianship authorities, representatives of the executive and legislative authorities of their region, province, republic. But they have no serious powers that would give them more freedom and independence.

In the case of the adoption of a package of bills, the children's ombudsman will be able through court to easily reverse any decision of the authorities that infringes the rights of children.

In addition, the ombudsman refuse to testifyif the information requested to provide was received by the Ombudsman in the course of fulfilling his duties. This means that the ombudsman is not obliged to testify against parents, guardians, children, if he considers it necessary.

The term of fulfillment of the duties of the ombudsman for children's rights in the regions will be set for a period of 5 years.