On World Children’s Day, 105 Member States have aligned to a Global Pledge promising to renew their commitment to children’s rights.
At the United Nations Headquarters and in more than 50 countries, children and young people have been speaking out at national summits on issues that matter to them, like the climate crisis, safety in an online world, rising migration and lack of opportunities.
Over the last 30 years, while millions of children have seen their lives improve, millions of others have continued to grapple with poverty, inequality, discrimination and conflicts. Worse still, the 21st century has brought forth new challenges that were unimaginable just a few generations ago.
“As childhood changes, we need to change our approaches along with it. That is why we are asking all Member States to renew their commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and implement child rights fit for the 21st century. As the youth-led movements, we are witnessing around the world clearly show, the world can no longer afford to ignore the voices of children and young people as they demand their rights and ask to be part of the solution,” said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore.
The 104 States that have aligned to the Pledge so far are showing bold commitment and leadership. From the national pledge to end violence against children in Jamaica to the promise of a new maternal-newborn health policy in Bhutan, we are seeing serious political commitment to leaving no child behind.
But this is not enough. We need all Member States to seize this momentous occasion to translate the vision of the Convention of the Rights of the Child into a reality for all children.
Original source: UNICEF
Published on 20 November 2019
