The head of the Office for Children and Adolescents, Elena Ayarza, has highlighted the importance of ensuring that individuals in contact with minors at camps and leisure activities are “suitable” and well-trained. These statements were made before the Basque Parliament's Committee on Welfare, Youth, and Demographic Challenge, as part of her contributions to the Youth Law reform.
This legislative reform, proposed by the PNV and the PSE-EE, was accepted for processing on March 26. Its purpose is to strengthen child protection in leisure activities, following alleged sexual freedom offenses that occurred in the Bernedo (Álava) camps. However, Ayarza declined to comment on this specific case, as it is currently under judicial investigation.
“"The effectiveness of the legal reform now being debated in Parliament will largely depend on the training and control of the people working in leisure activities aimed at young people, as well as the resources allocated to such training and control."
She also stressed the importance of ensuring that those in contact with minors have no criminal records for sexual offenses and that protocols are in place to respond to situations affecting the rights of children and adolescents. For this, the role of a protection delegate is considered essential.
The Youth Law reform establishes new requirements. Entities responsible for activities involving minors must submit a responsible declaration to the corresponding provincial council or the youth department of the Basque Government. For outdoor camping, a favorable report from the city council or administrative board and authorization from the landowner will be required.
Furthermore, personnel in contact with minors in leisure activities must provide a negative certificate of sexual offenses, which must be renewed annually. The proposal also defines infractions, considering as serious, for example, allowing the participation of unemancipated minors without the express written authorization of their legal guardian or custodian.
