On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), President Dr Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed government’s commitment to creating safe spaces for families and, in particular, children.
On Monday, a ceremony was hosted by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to mark the 35th anniversary of the CRC. President Ali, who was the keynote speaker at the event, spoke of his government’s commitment to creating safe spaces for children and families.
He noted that there are some cases where children are left shortchanged and disadvantaged due to a number of circumstances. According to the Head of State, the government has worked hard to provide opportunities that will eliminate such circumstances.
“In many families the eldest child had to give up education to provide for the youngest children. Not because they were inferior or they were not brilliant. But because the conditions necessitated that. That is why, as a government over the years we’ve invested heavily in creating the infrastructure, building the environment.”
“Creating an enabling environment through which the development of the child can be completed in a holistic way. And these facilities, even the facility you’re in today, is part of that commitment. Creating safe spaces. Family oriented spaces,” President Ali said.
The Head of State noted the importance of the work being done on the constitutional reform process which seeks to address, among other things, the rights of the child. However, he also noted that there is a responsibility that comes with protecting and safeguarding those rights, which must also be addressed.
“Many times, we speak about the rights, all the importance of rights. But we don’t speak about the responsibilities that come with those rights. And it’s very important that as we engage these children, we do not only focus on the rights, which is essential and important.”
“But that we must be able to demonstrate to them and to teach them the responsibility that comes in protecting and safeguarding those rights. The responsibility that comes upon children, parents, everybody in society, to support the rights that we speak about,” President Ali said.
Challenges remain
Also addressing the gathering was UNICEF Representative Nicolas Pron, who said that many notable milestones have been reached in Guyana when it comes to children rights. However, challenges remain.
“In Guyana, we have seen many notable achievements in the areas of improved access to education, improved access to health services, legal protections for children, programmes all aimed at advancing child rights. These advancements reflect a collective commitment to building brighter futures for children.”
“However, challenges remain. And many children still face barriers that hinder their full potential including poverty and violence. Inequalities continue to exist, leaving some children at risk of being left behind.”
According to Pron, celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child serves a two-fold function, both as a celebration of how far Guyana and the world has come on child rights, as well as a call to action for the work that lies ahead.
“Collectively, we can overcome the challenges that still stand in the way of realizing every child’s right to survive, thrive and reach their full potential. Together, we must confront these challenges, ensuring that all rights as studied in the convention, are upheld for every child in Guyana,” Pron explained.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted in 1989. So far, 196 countries are parties to the convention, making it the most widely ratified UN convention. (G3)
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