The plan is being implemented with the participation of the Government Chancellery, the Police Department and the Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau, the State Security Department, the Ministry of National Defence and the Second Operational Services Department, the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports, the Ministry of Social Security and Labour, the State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service, the Youth Affairs Agency, the General Prosecutor’s Office, as well as other partners.
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The coordination of joint actions is ensured by the National Crisis Management Centre of the Government Chancellery. It is planned that the majority of measures will be implemented by the end of this year, and continued later if necessary.
Recruitment is already underway – from “small things” to crimes
Investigations conducted by institutions, available information, and publicly known examples from other countries show that hostile state services increasingly target children and adolescents, especially young people from socially vulnerable groups. Recruitment often begins with seemingly innocent offers – to paint graffiti with a political, provocative message, photograph an object, deliver or leave an item, perform a small task for payment. Later, such actions can escalate into serious crimes that threaten both the children and the state’s security.
“We want every child and adolescent in Lithuania to know: if they are drawn into hostile networks, they are not alone. There are adults, there are institutions, and there is help. The most important thing to understand is that children in these situations are not perpetrators, they are targets. Therefore, it is the state’s duty to act in advance: to inform, protect, and provide clear assistance to those who need it. This is the foundation of a strong, resilient society,” says Government Chancellor Eitvydas Bingelis.
The basis of institutional actions is a clear and child- and youth-understandable preventive principle: “Recognize. Do not get involved. Report.” It will be consistently applied in all education, prevention, and information measures.
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Special attention is paid to socially vulnerable children and young people, as they are most often the targets of recruiters – due to financial difficulties, social isolation, or greater vulnerability online.
“This is not just a communication campaign. It is a concentration of institutions and comprehensive actions: recommendations for teachers and social workers, prevention in schools, work with youth and families, as well as clear response algorithms if there are suspicions of recruitment,” emphasizes Chancellor E. Bingelis.
What is being done?
In implementing the plan coordinated by the National Crisis Management Centre, several measures are currently being carried out. First, recommendations have been prepared for children and specialists working with them on how to recognize signs of recruitment and respond safely. In addition, clear action algorithms related to the mentioned problem have been prepared for schools, youth workers, and social service providers. These documents will be distributed and presented to institutions and organizations in the near future. At the same time, competent specialists will organize preventive meetings in educational institutions and municipalities.
Assistance to vulnerable groups of children will also be strengthened by working through child rights, social, and youth service systems. It is important to note that the list of planned measures will expand and be adjusted according to the changing security environment and experiences in communication with children and specialists.
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