More than 200 children with special needs and their parents enjoyed a Child Protection Day celebration to mark International Children's Day at the end of May in the Azeri capital Baku. Organised in partnership by World Vision, the Azeri Ministry of Education and International Medical Corps, the day signaled a national commitment to inclusive education for all special needs children.

'Every year, for many decades, the world celebrates the International Children Day to raise awareness of child related problems, which are significant and complex. However, for child focus organization like World Vision it is a day to day battle to make the world the best place for children to live. It is really important for World Vision and all partners that at least once a year, this day, all of us gather together to confirm our commitment to make life better for children of Azerbaijan', stated Seifu Tirfie, World Vision Azerbaijan National Director during his opening speech.

The special needs children, their peers and some 100 participants from government, foreign missions, the private and non private sector, civil society and leading media organizations were present at the exhibition fair where handicrafts produced by the children were also on display.

'The fundamental belief of our organization is that every child regardless to nationality, religion, or abilities must have an equal access to education, be supported and respected by the society' believes Farida Amirova, Project Manager for World Vision Azerbaijan.

Following the exhibition, popular show business stars performed concert for all the children, their parents, teachers and invited guests.

The Azerbaijan Inclusion Movement that includes World Vision Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Education, International Medical Corps, Center for Innovations and Education and Save the Children started in 2004. Hundreds of children with special needs have since been mainstreamed into society.