Jongno-gu Advances Various Policies in 2022 to Obtain Higher-Level Certification as a Child-Friendly City

Appointing a Child Ombudsperson, Efforts in Various Areas Including Adding 'Firefighting or Health Experts' to the Steering Committee

Child Rights Education

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Jongno-gu plans to continue its efforts in 2022 to secure higher-level certification as a UNICEF Child-Friendly City by implementing various detailed policies that guarantee child participation and rights, as well as appointing a Child Rights Ombudsperson.

Since 2016, the district has focused on creating a child-friendly city under the belief that "a city where children are happy is a city where everyone wants to live," steadily working to practice the fundamental spirit of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

As part of this, Jongno-gu joined the Local Government Council for the Promotion of Child-Friendly Cities, signed a business agreement with the UNICEF Korea Committee, and established a public-private cooperative system with police stations and child protection agencies that share the commitment to guarantee children's survival and protection rights and prevent child abuse.

In addition, the district enacted related ordinances to provide a legal basis, established a dedicated team, and conducted resident surveys to listen to diverse opinions from all walks of life.

As a result, in August 2017, Jongno-gu obtained UNICEF Child-Friendly City certification, being recognized as a community where children under the age of 18 can live well.

In 2022, Jongno-gu aims to set an example as a child-friendly city and strengthen its foundation by promoting various policies.

As part of this, the district plans to first form a Child-Friendly City Promotion Committee by adding "firefighting or health experts," produce newsletters to expand information sharing, and hold regular committee meetings.

Furthermore, Jongno-gu will appoint a "Child Rights Ombudsperson" to serve as an independent advocate for children's rights and establish related ordinances to widely inform residents of the necessity of the ombudsperson. The ombudsperson will directly communicate with local children and youth in the field and contribute to enhancing their rights.

Jongno-gu will also operate a training course for citizen instructors on child rights. This is to continuously deploy professional personnel to train citizen instructors and develop educational materials and programs. Considering the spread of COVID-19, the child and youth education, which was mainly non-face-to-face this year, will be combined with face-to-face play activities next year.

Additionally, the district plans to hold a contest for a child-friendly city slogan that reflects Jongno-gu’s unique values and vision, followed by a proclamation ceremony and commemorative event after obtaining higher-level certification.

A district official stated, "It is necessary for the local community to actively protect children's rights so that children can grow into healthy citizens of future society," adding, "In addition to appointing experts to the ombudsperson and promotion committee, we will focus on gradually expanding child participation in district administration."

◆Jongno-gu Personnel ▲Audit Officer So Myeonghun ▲Administrative Support Division Chief Kim Samnam ▲Disaster Safety Division Chief Choi Sangjong ▲Public Relations and IT Division Chief Jo Doohee ▲Tourism Division Chief Ham Siil ▲Housing Regeneration Division Chief Seo Eulsam ▲Council Secretariat Specialist Jo Gyudong ▲Health Center Disease Prevention Division Chief Lee Samtaek ▲Sajik-dong Chief Byun Youngjin ▲Hyehwa-dong Chief Lee Jinyeol ▲Changsin 1(il)-dong Chief Kim Sanghee ▲Sungin 1(il)-dong Chief Kim Eungjae

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.