UN Urges Leaders to Protect, Educate, Empower Every Child

On Thursday, millions of people across the globe united to celebrate World Children’s Day.  It’s a reminder of a promise made back in 1954 when the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child. As part of this goal, the United Nations is calling on world leaders and every citizen to do their part in ensuring every child has access to education, healthcare, protection from violence, and the freedom to express themselves. UN Secretary-General. António Guterres, stressed the importance of this mission as challenges like climate change, inequality, and displacement continue threaten the futures of millions of young people.

 

António Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations

“The convention on the rights of the Child is the most widely ratified treat in history signed thirty-six years ago. Today, it affirms the simple truth: when we protect the youngest members of the human family, we build a better world. But right now, children’s rights are under attack, poverty, and the emergencies are stealing education. Climate chaos is jeopardizing futures and new dangers lurk in the online world. Too many children already carry burdens far beyond their years. Earning income or caring for siblings and feminine war have robbed thousands of the most basic rights of all, the rights to life. Every child’s circumstances are unique, but every child has the same rights no matter who they are or where they live. Do all children’s day let us listen to children and let us amplify their voices as they stand up for their rights. The future is defined by how we care for the next generation. We must unite to build a safe and equal world for every child.”