Yongin City, Sole Gyeonggi Province Municipality to Receive Minister of Health and Welfare Commendation

[Suwon Ilbo=Park Nohun Reporter] Yongin Special City was selected as an exemplary local government in the "Child-Friendly Environment Creation" category at the 101st Children's Day Government Commendation ceremony.

According to Yongin City on the 3rd, this commendation awarding the Minister of Health and Welfare's commendation is the sole case among Gyeonggi Province local governments.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare selects outstanding local governments that serve as models to other local governments among those certified as UNICEF Child-Friendly Cities, based on comprehensive evaluation of children's human rights, safety, rights and welfare promotion contributions, and social assessment.

The city received certification as a Child-Friendly City from UNICEF in 2020 and has been implementing various projects for children's policy participation and rights protection.

In particular, the city has established a safe and happy urban environment for children by investing 25.9 billion won in child participation committees, children's safety CCTV, and dream-fulfilling safety experience classrooms.

The city received high praise for establishing Korea's first joint response system involving the city, the Office of Education, Yongin East and West Police Departments, Yongin Severance Hospital, and the Gyeonggi Yongin Child Protection Specialized Agency to respond swiftly to child abuse incidents, and for organizing "Our Neighborhood Child Protectors" with voluntary participation from residents to contribute to community child welfare.

Additionally, the city received positive evaluation for its continuous efforts to improve awareness of children's rights in the community through programs such as outreach children's rights education and participation in global campaigns to eliminate child violence.

Four elementary school students from within the city also received the Minister's Commendation for Exemplary Children and the Governor's Commendation.

Mohan Byeol (6th grade) from Namsa Elementary School received the Minister of Health and Welfare's Commendation, while Lee Hayeon (6th grade) from Hanil Elementary School, Eom Jiyun (4th grade) from Yongcheon Elementary School, and Jo Sungsu (4th grade) from Pogok Elementary School each received the Governor's Commendation.

Yongin Mayor Lee Sangil stated, "I believe that a city safe for children and a city where children want to live ultimately means a city where everyone wants to live," and added, "I will make efforts to create a child-friendly Yongin where learning and childcare are enjoyable through more careful policies and support."