The Ministry of Labor and Social Policy and the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office promoted Monday the Protocol on procedure in cases of sexual abuse of children and paedophilia.

The Protocol focuses on activities of all relevant institutions working with victims of sexual abuse and their proper proceeding immediately after the act of abuse.

"The protocol helps towards proper proceedings in times when the child requires biggest support on all grounds. This is a kind of handbook, since improper proceedings after the act of abuse could create additional trauma among victims", said Minister Spiro Ristovski at today's press conference.

According to a survey conducted by the WHO Country Office, 21 percent of male respondents are sexually abused, along with 7.3 percent of female children.

"The numbers are alarming, but within the global and European average", said Marija Kisman, head of the WHO Country Office.

The Action Plan for prevention of sexual abuse and paedophilia has thus far resulted in the establishment of a coordinating body combating sexual abuse of children, promotion of web portal "Stop Paedophilia", training in 150 elementary and secondary schools, along with the adoption of a law for a special register of paedophiles.