MINSK, 28 April (BelTA) - Members of the House of Representatives are taking part in the web-based IPU's Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians to discuss COVID-19 response and recovery, BelTA has learned.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world and various segments of the population, including young people. I am talking about education, health and employment. It is very important that the conference has brought MPs of different generations. We will exchange views based on our experience," said Aleksandr Shipulo, deputy chairman of the Standing Commission on Health, Physical Culture, Family and Youth Policy of the House of Representatives.
The MP noted that young people contributed greatly to the COVID-19 response efforts. "We would like young people to comply with the health safety requirements and use personal protective equipment. It's very important. Because when you're young, you think you have good immunity, but anything can happen," he said.
The conference of the Inter-Parliamentary Union is a unique platform for young MPs, added Maria Vasilevich, a member of the Human Rights, National Relations, and Mass Media Commission of the House of Representatives. “It gives us an opportunity to exchange opinions and devise a common strategy to support the youth in our countries and internationally,” Maria Vasilevich said. “The pandemic has created many problems not only for healthcare. It has led to increased domestic violence and job losses. Of course, the youth who do not have a lot of working experience, are in a vulnerable position and need help from the government and the society. The conference will also focus on these matters,” she added.
There are many youth organizations in Belarus aimed at supporting the youth, Maria Vasilevich stressed. “I believe that even amid the pandemic and related problems, these organizations will continue supporting young people and protecting their interests,” she said.
