Flamboyant Children's rights ombudsman Pavel Astakhov has invited children across Russia to draw him or one of his regional counterparts, offering prizes to young artists who admirably convey their likeness.
Astakhov is a colorful character known for his passionate support of a 2012 law that barred American citizens from adopting Russian orphans, as well as for his ambiguous attitude toward men marrying underaged girls in some Russian regions.
According to the rules of “I Depict the Children's Ombudsman,” which are explained in meticulous detail in a three-page document, children attending summer camps and other state institutions across Russia can depict the ombudsman himself, or an image reflecting his work, or whatever the term “children's ombudsman” conjures in their minds.
A jury in each region will then select the five best drawings and send them to Astakhov, who will personally pick one or two drawings from every region and nominate the winners in various age groups.
The winners will be awarded during the children's ombudsmen convention in October. The prizes have not yet been revealed.
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