Јавни политики за децата на улица во Скопје

The document discusses the pressing issue of street children in Skopje, highlighting the lack of effective public policies addressing their needs. It identifies that street children, as a vulnerable group, are not officially recognized or defined under existing laws, resulting in insufficient care and support. The paper calls for comprehensive policy development that encompasses prevention, protection, and intervention strategies based on successful international experiences to address the challenges faced by these children. Key Points Street children in Skopje exist within a complex socio-economic context and are often overlooked by the public and government officials. There are no clear legal definitions or protections for street children in North Macedonia, contributing to their ongoing neglect. The local government has not effectively addressed the issue of street children despite recognizing their vulnerability. Existing data about the number of street children is inconsistent and insufficient, complicating effective policy-making. Comparative international experiences reveal successful strategies focusing on housing, education, healthcare, and social services for street children. A lack of coordination among the multiple institutions responsible for addressing the issue leads to ineffective interventions and policies. Recommendations include the establishment of a specialized law and targeted programs to improve the rights and living conditions of street children, involving collaboration with various stakeholders.