What are laws?
In order for all of us to live together in our country, we need rules that each of us must follow. These rules are called laws. If someone breaks the law, it means that he commits a crime, and crimes are punished. The law that defines your rights and responsibilities is called the Child Protection Act. It is designed to protect your best interests so that you can grow and develop in the best possible environment.
What is meant by the best interests of the child?
These are your health, your education, your need to feel safe and secure! This is the foundation on which your rights are built! It is very important to know that no one has the right to harm your health in any way, to hurt you or to deprive you of your right to go to school! Remember that you also do not have the right to hurt others!
Why do I need to know my rights?
When you know your rights you won't let anyone take advantage of you! If it does happen you will know where and how to get help and protection!
Your duties and responsibilities:
In addition to your rights, you have obligations. Your obligations are to your parents or the people who care for you. They are most responsible for your upbringing and education. That is why you must respect their opinion and respect them. And your parents must respect your rights. Another duty and responsibility is your school. In Bulgaria, school education up to the age of 16 is compulsory. Going to school is your right and responsibility. One of the most important responsibilities that applies to everyone is respecting other people's rights. Both you and others have rights - respect them and keep them! YOUR RIGHTS MUST BE RESPECTED! If your rights are violated, seek support! Speak to the NATIONAL TELEPHONE LINE FOR CHILDREN by dialling 116 111 any time of the day or night. We will listen and do what is best for your protection. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Where can you get help if your rights are violated?
Each municipality has a Child Protection Department. On the website of the State Agency for Child Protection, under the category "Links", it is indicated where your nearest municipality is located. The departments are staffed by social workers along with other professionals who help to resolve children's problems. Your parents can also seek help from the Child Protection Department. How can the Child Protection Department and the professionals who work there help you? They can help your parents and those who care for you with problems related to your upbringing, education and training; They can help you to create better conditions and relationships in the family environment; They can inform you about your rights and obligations; They can help to improve the conditions in which you live; If there is a conflict or difficulty in communication between you and your parents, they can help you resolve it; They can advise you on choosing a school and a profession or help you find a job if you are over 16 You can also contact the NATIONAL TELEPHONE LINE FOR CHILDREN by dialling 116 111 at any time of the day or night - anonymously and free of charge. We will listen and support you. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Rights of the child

In our country, a child is defined as anyone under the age of 18. If you are under 18, the following lines will be useful to you! If you're older, tell those younger than you!

In addition to your parents or guardians, the state should also look after you and protect you. All the types of protection you can get are described in a special law - the Child Protection Act.

We are all different - our looks, the language we speak, our religion, our opinions, the environment we live in, our parents. This does not stop us from learning and playing together. These differences make us unique and equally valuable as people. Whether we have a disability or are minority children, we all have the same rights and no one can treat our uniqueness unfairly!

What should you not forget?

  1. All children have the right to be protected!
  2. Every child should be respected and honored!
  3. Every child has the right to grow up in a family environment or as close to it as possible!
  4. All people who make important decisions for a child should put their interests first!
  • Right to protection
  1. You have the right to protection in your growth and development.
  2. No child should be underestimated or humiliated.
  3. All children have the right to go to school and learn things that are important to them.
  4. When you are sick you have the right to get the help and care you need.
  5. Each child's thoughts and beliefs are respected.
  • Protection against violence
  1. No one has the right to bully, harass, abuse or neglect you!
  2. No one has the right to force you to do work that is harmful to you!
  3. No one has the right to force you to beg!
  4. If someone forces you into prostitution, to sell your body for money, in exchange for food, clothing, etc., or threatens and abuses you, seek help and protection immediately!
  • Right to expression
  1. All children have the right to say what they think and feel. You have the right to express your opinion on all issues that affect you.
  2. Your opinion should be respected in all decisions about you - at home, at school, by the authorities and in court.
  • Right to information and consultation
  1. You have the right to be informed and to be advised by the Child Protection Departments about anything that affects you or your family.
  2. If necessary, you can be informed and advised (counselled) without your parents or carers knowing. Your visit to the Child Protection Department can be kept confidential if the professionals think it is best for you.
  • Protection of religious beliefs
  1. Until the age of 14, your parents choose the religion you are to follow. From the age of 14 to 18, with the consent of your parents or guardians, you can make your own choice.
  2. If you and your parents have a disagreement about religious issues, you can turn to child protection services for support and assistance.
  • Right to be heard in court
  1. If your rights and interests are being decided through a court, you have the right to be heard.
  2. Before you are interviewed, a social worker will help you get the information you need to form your opinion. He or she should explain in detail what will happen after you tell the court what you think and feel. The social worker should also explain what will happen to you and your parents when the court carries out (complies with) your wishes.
  3. Once you have been given the information you need, you will be interviewed in a suitable setting and in the presence of the social worker.
  4. You must be notified of the decision made by the court.
  5. Court decisions cannot be disclosed without your consent if you are over 10 years old.