Geneva, 17 January 2023 (TDI): UN High Commissioner, Volker Turk said, children’s rights should be protected on a priority basis and their voices must be heard.
He was addressing the opening session of the 93rd Committee on the Rights of the Child. He stressed preserving the rights of children. What is the future of the world?
Turk also stated that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This calls for safeguarding rights, dignity, and equality for all people.
“As we embark on a yearlong celebration of the Declaration, let us strive to ensure that children’s rights remain our collective priority,” he maintained. According to UN Human Rights reports, respect for children’s rights is on the decline.
Turk stated that “Children bore the brunt of efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably impacting their right to education. The reality of climate change is threatening their lives today, and their futures.”
In many countries, child rights workers especially the female gender are experiencing repressive attitudes. Many young boys and girls are living in war zones. They need humanitarian assistance.
He further added, “The data reflects the chilling reality. Children account for 41 percent of the world’s more than 100 million forcibly displaced people.”
Moreover, 40 million children are severely facing nutrition insecurity. Turk said his office is finalizing a plan that would focus on working with other UN Bodies.
For the protection of children’s rights, there would be a formation of 10 committees. That would be composed of experts from around the world.
These would address issues ranging from discrimination to degrading treatment. The program would be implemented through digital tools.
This would also require strong funding and options for sustainable funding would be open from state resources, the UN Human Rights office, and other UN bodies.
UN Human Rights Council is also arranging a panel discussion in March 2023. For the first time, children from different regions would join the panel discussion. That would focus on the challenges and opportunities children face in the digital world.
