A workshop was on Monday (November 21) held at the Herdmanston Lodge, Georgetown to mark the 26th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNROC), where the entitlements of Children as stipulated under the convention were reemphasized and the need for more to be accomplished highlighted.
Chairperson of the Rights of the Child Commission, Aleema Nasir in her remarks said in the execution of its constitutional mandate to protect children, the Commission has also, the duty to simultaneously engage the widest cross section of society , whose work relate to the protection, education and empowerment of Guyana’s youth.
The strengthening of Indigenous Village Councils in the area of child rights in every sphere of life was underscored as a critical area for the Commission.
UNICEF Representative, Paolo Marchi reminded that countries that have ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child have not only made a commitment but are accountable to the children and International community. He commended Guyana for the significant strides made in ensuring Child Rights are honoured in accordance with its obligation under the Convention, however Marchi said more still needs to be done called for action.
Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes underscored the importance of technology mainly internet access for development in sectors such as health, education and even E-Commerce, especially for those children living in remote areas of Guyana.
The minister pointed out to the youths gathered that rights and responsibilities complement each other.
According to the United Nations, The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most rapidly and widely ratified international human rights treaty in history.
The Convention changed the way children are viewed and treated – i.e., as human beings with a distinct set of rights instead of as passive objects of care and charity.
The unprecedented acceptance of the Convention, the UN says clearly shows a wide global commitment to advancing children’s rights.
