Ombudsoffice for Children and Youths

The kijas are legally established in each of the nine federal states of Austria. www.kija.at is the common webpage of the nine organisations. In our work we are not subject to directives from the government. Staff members are only bound by the instructions of the head of kija.

(Quelle: KiJA OÖ / Meister)

• Ombudsoffice for Children and Youths 
• Representing the rights and interests of minors
• Giving advice and help
• Based on the Convention on the Rights of the Child

• Adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession 1989
• International convention setting out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of children
• For minors under the age of 18
• ratified by 193 countries (except US)

54 Articles and three Optional Protocols Tree basic rights:

PROVISION: the right to survival, to develop to the fullest

PROTECTION: the right to protection from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation

PARTICIPATION: the right to participate fully in family, cultural and social life

Four core principles:

• non-discrimination
• devotion to the best interests of the child
• the right to life, survival and development
• respect for the views of the child

(Quelle: KiJA OÖ / Nadja Meister)

• free of charge 
• confidential
• anonymous
• direct and unbureaucratic
• only with consent of minor

• Conflicts with parents / teachers / colleagues / friends
• Occurence of violence or sexual assault
• Divorce / separation of parents
• Despair
• Breach of law

• Influencing policy development 
• Cooperation in projects e.g. forced marriages
• Initiation of projects e.g. children's guardian, mentoring projects 
• Workshops at and for schools