Belarus orphans okayed to enjoy summer break in Italy

Senate Foreign Relations and National Security Committee Chairman Mikalai Chahrynets who sponsored the legislation said that "this agreement was needed, because most of our children undergo rehabilitation in Italy”.

Under the agremment, the priority of rehabilitation is given to orphans, sick children and those who live in unconducive social conditions. The agreement was signed for five years and can be renewed for five years more.

According to Chahrynets, Italy has fully met its obligations as regards the ratification of the agreement.

Under the new deal, Belarusian children that arrive in Italy for rehabilitation are treated as Belarus citizens not as neglected kids. An Italian court cannot rule on their fate. Besides, these children cannot be adopted while on rehabilitation programs and should retrurn to the home country as scheduled.

Italy hosts the biggest number of the Belarusian children that need rehabilitation. Last year, 17,000 Belarusaian kids spent their summer break in Italy.