Commissioner for children's rights calls for urgent school safety improvements

The Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of the Child, Elena Pericleous, has expressed grave concern regarding audit findings on safety gaps in schools. Reports from the Audit Office identified significant weaknesses in fire safety, electrical systems, risk assessment, infrastructure, and technical inspections of school buses. Commissioner Pericleous emphasized that these issues directly affect the fundamental rights and safety of students. She stated that child safety cannot be treated as a mere administrative or technical matter. The Commissioner urged all relevant authorities to implement necessary corrective measures immediately. These improvements are required before the start of the new school year. The mandate for safety covers the entire school experience, including transport to and from facilities. This position is supported by obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.