Hundreds of candles lit outside Seimas against violence against children

After the tragic death of a 4-year-old after beating in his home in Kėdainiai, central Lithuania, a civil campaign was held outside the parliament on Friday aimed at stepping up efforts against violence against children.

A slogan calling to end genocide of children was placed next to the parliament sign, with a few hundred of candles lit around it. More people keep coming to light their candles.

"I am a mother of a small child myself, my friend also accompanied me with a small child. My child is my life. When such things take place in Lithuania, and this is not the first time, not the second time and not the third time, unfortunately, I know this is not the last time when something like this happens. The Seimas (parliament) must do something," Marija told BNS after lighting a candle outside the parliament building.

Initiated via social networks, the campaign aims to remind the parliament that it has not yet adopted the law banning violence against children.

An extraordinary parliamentary session is scheduled for February to adopt a new wording of the Law on Protection of Child's Rights.