Children’s presence at protests remains a major concern for the police. Deputy Minister of Interior Anisa Ruseti has called on parents and guardians not to allow children and adolescents to be drawn into violent protests, warning of the risks they may face, including injury and psychological consequences.
According to her, referring to the youth protest that escalated into violence in recent days, more than 270 people have gone to hospitals for medical assistance.
In a statement to the media, Ruseti stressed that protecting children is a shared responsibility and that minors must not be involved in clashes or used for political purposes.
“These protests can seriously endanger their health and well-being. Minors must not be involved in clashes and cannot bear responsibility for the actions of people who incite them to violence. Protecting children is a priority for all of us. Recent events have revealed risks, which have also affected them.
In recent days alone, more than 270 people have gone to hospital for medical care, of whom about 70 were protesters or passersby and more than 170 were State Police officers. We wish everyone a speedy recovery and, above all, we wish that such situations will not be repeated in the coming days. The right to peaceful protest is guaranteed by the Constitution and includes the right of young people to take part and be heard in their own way, through calm communication, in which their safety and health are never put at risk.
At the same time, the best interests of the child must be the primary consideration in every decision and action that affects them. This principle requires all of us to contribute to protecting children from violence and exposure to danger. European standards require that the management of protests be based on communication, de-escalation and the use of force only when necessary and to the minimum extent required. This standard must guide the activity and work of the State Police.
Violent acts by individuals do not justify treating all participants as violent persons or imposing collective responsibility. For this reason, the State Police has called for calm and for distancing from those who exercise violence. The Ministry of Interior has required that every police action be lawful, proportionate and taken only when necessary.
Any claim of increased or excessive use of force will be examined impartially and in accordance with all applicable legislation. But today we have a message addressed to parents and guardians. Dear parents and guardians, it is important to know where your children are, who they are with, and what content or calls they are receiving on social networks.Talk with them about the risks and advise them that, in case of tension, they should leave the place immediately and move to a safe location. Even without taking part in incidents, being near clashes can expose them to injury. Our responsibility also includes attention to the consequences that violence can have on children’s development. Experiencing or witnessing it can cause fear, insecurity and long-term psychological effects.
Normalizing violence can create the belief that conflicts are resolved through force and that harming others is the only acceptable way to demand rights. Children and adolescents should be supported to argue, to disagree and to hold others accountable while respecting human life and dignity. Equally important is their trust in the State Police, as the institution where they can seek help and protection. Portraying the police as opponents of young people, as well as any unlawful conduct toward State Police employees, undermines this trust.
Maintaining and strengthening that trust requires professionalism, equal treatment, transparency and accountability for every violation. We call on organizers, political representatives, the media and every adult who influences children to contribute to their protection, avoiding incitement to clashes and the normalization of violence. Minors must not be drawn into political clashes and cannot be used to protect anyone.
The best interests of the child must guide the actions of all actors, regardless of political differences. Protecting their rights requires joint commitment, with the aim that no child is harmed in street clashes. Children are a shared responsibility and must be protected,” she said.