The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) on Nov. 20, 2009 celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), “the first legally binding international instrument to incorporate the full range of human rights—civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights.”
Staged at the United Nations in New York, the convention was moderated by Ishmael Beah, UNICEF Advocate for Children Affected by War. Beah was a victim of a decade-long civil war in Sierra Leone, and, at 13, he was forced to become a child soldier.
“Before, during and after my experiences of the war, I didn’t know that I had rights as a child,” Beah said.
“But I later learned that it was because of the Convention and the organizations committed to implementing it that I was removed from the war and placed in a rehabilitation centre. And that made my presence here today possible.”
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said: “Over the past 20 years, the Convention has been our beacon, our template, our guide in protecting and nurturing the youngest and most vulnerable members of society.”
UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman said much more remains to be done to improve the lives of children around the world. She said an estimated 8.8 million children continue to die before they celebrate their fifth birthday which is “simply unacceptable.”
Ms. Veneman moderated a panel discussion featuring civil society leaders from around the world.
Members of the panel included: Ioana Maria Barbu, founder and President of a Romanian NGO that promotes youth leadership; Emilio Jeroo Billimoria, Executive Director of the non-governmental organization Aflatoun International; Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, human rights lawyer from Zimbabwe; Archbishop Felix Machado, a member of the planning committee for the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children; Garcia Mendez, child-rights expert and member of the National Parliament of Argentina; and Timothy Shriver, Chairman of the Special Olympics.
Also see:
· UNICEF Executive Director Ann Veneman Says “the cycle of intergenerational poverty must end”
· “We Have Got To Reach Higher Heights,” Congressman Cummings Said At The CBCF “Economic Recovery Forum”
· Exclusive Interview: Liberia’s Kimmie Weeks Fosters Hope And Change Worldwide
· Exclusive Interview/Profile: Miatta Dabo Optimizes Her Talents To Inspire And Serve
· UNHCR Chief Calls For More Intl. Attention Toward Congo
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