IFSW Statement on the Universal Children's Day 2008 |
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Children’s day happens every year, and in fact most countries around the world observe it since it was recommended by the UN General Assembly in 1954. Some countries may still cling to their own dates determined prior to 1954, but on the whole 20 November is gaining ground since the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959, and that of the UN Convention Rights of the Child in 1989. Both UN human rights instruments were adopted on a 20 November with an interval of 30 years between them.
Children have come to the forefront over the past decades, and several important instruments have tackled the many ills and dangers that can, and unfortunately do, befall them. One important watershed was the Convention on the Rights of the Child, followed some years later by its two Additional Protocols on the involvement of children in armed conflict, and on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. A UN Study on violence against children accepted by the UN General Assembly in 2006 addressed other forms of violence such as violence in the family, in schools and in other settings. Our greatest regret is that poverty, hunger and the lack of health care are still with us, hampering much needed efforts to see all children having sufficient food and acquiring an education.
Despite these and other misfortunes it would not be right to take away the joy of celebrating children on THEIR DAY. Most of them are cared for by loving parents, and most are now better fed, better educated and better trained, not least for present and future leadership. Even in poor countries, children are progressing, and some of them are able to make it to the top.
Social workers are happy to act in partnership with children and their parents to overcome difficulties and handicaps in manifold situations. We are equal and respectful partners with our clients, but our interest lies first and foremost with the CHILD.
Statement prepared by Ellen Mouravieff-Apostol, IFSW Main Representative to the United Nations in Geneva and to UNICEF
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page last updated on 10.12.2008
