New York (NVI): UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said that 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.
In a statement Fore said, “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.
Expressing concern over the condition of children across the word, Fore said that during 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,” she added.
She also praised the 105 Member States for 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,” she said.
She also urged the Member States to seize the occasion to translate the vision of the Convention of the Rights of the Child into a reality for all children.
Fore said that UNICEF is planning to undertake a global dialogue over the next 12 months with the participation of children and young people, parents, education, social workers, governments, media and others and hoped that the dialogue will help influence the organisation to do business in future.
