The President of North Macedonia walked a girl with Down syndrome to school after she was being bullied.
President Stevo Pendarovski was pictured with 11-year-old Embla Ademi's holding her hand while he walked her to her elementary school in the city of Gostivar on Monday.
"The president stressed that the behavior of those who in anyway endanger the rights of children is unacceptable, especially when it comes to children with atypical development," a statement from the president's office read.
Embla has experienced bullying at school due to her having "Down syndrome -a genetic condition that causes learning disabilities, health problems and distinctive facial characteristics."
"They should not only enjoy the rights they deserve, but also feel equal and welcome at the school desks and schoolyards. It is our obligation, as a state, but also as individuals, and the key element in this common mission is empathy," it added.
"We are all equal in this society," Pendarovski said. "I came to give my support and to raise awareness that inclusion is a basic principle."
The president said he "encouraged and supported" Embla's parents in their fight for the protection of the rights of children like their daughter.
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