On 30th April 2015, EASST’s local partner in Moldova launched its activities to mark UN Global Road Safety Week – dedicated this year specifically to child safety on the road as part of the #SaveKidsLives global initiative.
#SaveKidsLives launched in central Chisinau
UN Global Road Safety Week was launched by the Automobile Club of Moldova with an open air press conference in the Central Park of Chisinau with participation of the Head of WHO office in Moldova Mr. Iarno Habicht, the UN Resident Coordinator in Moldova Ms. Dafina Gherceva, along with the representatives of the Automobile Club of Moldova, Ministries of Health and Education, the General Police Inspectorate, the Department of Transportation and Communications, the REPEMOL project and pupils from “Chiril si Metodiu” and “Spiru Haret” Lyceums.
President of the Automobile Club of Moldova, Mr. Diaconu highlighted that “children’s involvement in road accidents is not a tragedy just for parents, but for all society. Child fatalities on the road demonstrate negligence and failure to protect our children and their fundamental right to safety. We need urgent measures from authorities and civil society to save kids lives”.
All participants signed the Child Declaration, together with Zebra and Pedestrian puppets, children and media representatives, as supporters of the #SaveKidsLives activities worldwide (you can join and sign the Declaration here: http://www.savekidslives2015.org/#sign-it).
The children and youngsters distributed leaflets with 10 Strategies for Children Road Safety, developed by the WHO office in Moldova in collaboration with the ACM.
More photos available on the ACM Facebook page: here
National Statistics show that in 2014 in Moldova there were 411 road accidents involving children, resulting in the deaths of 20 children and a further 391 were seriously injured. Globally data shows that annually, about 186,300 children aged under 18 die in road accidents.
Video: http://goo.gl/q5Njtm
Media coverage:
http://www.eurotv.md/stire-siguranta-in-trafic-prioritate-pentru-moldova
http://ziarulnational.md/statistici-ingrijoratoare-sute-de-accidente-rutiere-cu-implicarea-copiilor/
http://www.moldpres.md/news/2015/04/30/15002848
http://www.igp.gov.md/ro/content/republica-moldova-demarat-saptamina-mondiala-onu-sigurantei-rutiere
http://www.ipn.md/ro/societate/69107
http://vesti.md/?mod=news&id=41020
The event was also held within the “Road Safety Awareness Campaign” (in partnership with TRACECA Road Safety Project) funded by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
