Bulgaria's Abandoned Children

[Tom B]

Got sent this mail, and also happened to see the programme, which was terrible - worth signing up to.

Did you see the programme on bbc2 called "Bulgaria's Abandoned Children"?
(Monday 19 Nov)
If not, you can see it on
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 3325307126

It is dreadful that in a country that has just been allowed into the EU they can treat their children worse than their cattle.

PLEASE let our government know that we will not allow this to go on, by signing
your name to the petition at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Children-Dying/

[Tom B]

bump - month to go on this petition

[Tom B]

Got this e-mail from the 10 Downing Street website since I'd given them my e-mail. Does the response indicate that it was worth signing? - I think probably on the balance it does, or is that more about me just feeling better for feeling I've done 'something'?


"In the run-up to its Accession to the European Union Bulgaria committed to ensuring decent and equal living conditions in all child-care institutions. The programme of improvement includes closing those institutions that cannot be brought up to the required standard, developing community-based services, and reducing the high rate of child institutionalisation. The BBC programme, "Bulgaria's Abandoned Children" highlighted disturbing conditions in the Mogilino care home and serves as a reminder that the Bulgarian government still needs to do more to reduce the number of children in large-scale, long-term institutional care.

Following the broadcast of the programme, Emilia Maslarova, Bulgarian Minister of Labour and Social Policy, and Meglena Tacheva, Minister of Justice, visited the Mogilino care home and announced that it would be closed. In the short-term, a team of specialists has since visited the home and is ensuring that each child has an individual care plan based on an assessment of their specific needs and condition. An immediate result has seen some of the children receive hospital treatment and all now have an improved diet.

The Bulgarian government is currently working with NGOs on a comprehensive plan for deinstitutionalising all children currently in homes. The EU has made available 5 million of structural funds for the execution of this plan. The UK welcomes and supports the Bulgarian government's efforts to accelerate progress in reforms. We remain closely engaged with the Bulgarian government and with the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) community, encouraging close co-operation between the two in helping to implement the necessary reforms. Our Ambassador to Bulgaria has raised the topic with the Bulgarian Prime Minister and with the Minister of Labour and Social Policy."