SDP BiH: Due to kindergarten closures, allow paid leave for one parent

(Patria) - Due to the suspension of classes in schools and kindergartens in Bosnia and Herzegovina, SDP BiH is asking the governments in both entities to issue decrees that will allow one parent or guardian to care for children, if they are employed.

"We ask that the governments issue an instruction that in every case where both parents/guardians or a single parent are employed, paid leave be granted to one parent/guardian.
In cases where one of the two parents/guardians is a healthcare worker, paid leave should be granted to the other employed guardian or parent. In cases where both parents are healthcare workers, or in cases involving a single parent, it is necessary to grant paid leave to one employed parent/guardian.

In all other cases, parents/guardians should have the right to independently choose which of them will care for the children. We believe that such a measure is necessary, instead of parents/guardians being forced to use unpaid leave or vacation.

In cases where guardians or parents are unemployed, we ask the governments to prescribe one-time monthly subsidies for full-day childcare. Also, we ask that in cases of socially endangered families, funds be urgently allocated and computers be procured and delivered so that children in such households can equally follow and attend the prescribed online classes. Furthermore, all families with the aforementioned status need to be provided with a free internet connection and usage for the duration of the crisis," stated SDP.