BASSETERRE St. Kitts, November 20, 2013 -- Just over two decades ago St. Kitts-Nevis made a powerful statement on the international stage when it ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child – joining the majority of countries around the world in committing to creating the best developmental, protective and creative environment for ALL children in the sub region.
By recognising the Convention, St. Kitts-Nevis and other national governments commit themselves to protecting and ensuring children’s rights as outlined in the Convention and they hold themselves accountable for this commitment before the international community.
In every part of the world, there are examples of how the Convention has impacted law and practice. In St. Kitts-Nevis and the sub region the first generation growing up under the CRC has witnessed some outstanding achievements. Good progress has been made in child health, immunization coverage and education, both at the primary and secondary levels.
The first generation of children in St. Kitts-Nevis who have grown up under the CRC have done well.
However, we still have a far way to go towards creating the Caribbean fit for all children that we are working towards.
Some of the challenges facing us include:
• High prevalence of child abuse, including sexual abuse
• Current economic situation exposing increasing number of children to poverty
• The continued sanctioning of corporal punishment as a key disciplinary tool in schools and homes.
This year, as we again twin Universal Children’s Day with the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children (DPAC), presents a good opportunity to recommit to removing the remaining stumbling blocks to the attainment of children rights.
The DPAC theme “End Violence against Children” is a most apt one as countries across the sub region are uniting in the “Break the Silence” campaign which seeks to end the culture of acceptance which enables child sexual abuse.
Our children are our most precious but vulnerable resource and deserve our focus and attention today and every day.
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
