Protect rights of children as the best investment
Every country is responsible for prioritizing the best interests of children by investing in the development of qualified human resources. These interests include enhancing children’s well-being, fostering their development, and ensuring their protection. In other words, it is essential to create opportunities for children to enjoy their rights as outlined under the law fully.
The United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child on 20 November to protect and promote the welfare of children worldwide. It is a landmark treaty among other human rights conventions. A total of 196 United Nations member states have signed the convention, and these countries are actively working to implement children’s rights to the best of their abilities.
A large number of children face significant challenges and hardships in their struggle for survival. They strive to overcome obstacles to enjoy their full rights as children. According to a UNESCO press release, approximately 250 million children worldwide are unable to attend school and gain education and general knowledge for various reasons.
Although the convention addresses the protection of children’s rights against violence, an estimated 400 million children under the age of five — or six out of ten in this age group — continue to suffer physical and mental abuse. Additionally, approximately 330 million children are subjected to physical punishment, according to a press release issued by UNESCO.
Myanmar ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991 and introduced the Child Rights Law in 2019 to uphold children’s rights and prioritize their best interests. The law addresses issues such as violence against children, sexual harassment, forced labour, child trafficking, child abuse, challenges faced during armed conflicts, limited opportunities for children with disabilities and so on. To ensure effective protection, both children and their caregivers must cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
Children are like wax, capable of being cast. They have the right to experience and enjoy everything society offers. It is everyone’s responsibility to nurture children systematically by creating learning opportunities and fostering an environment that supports their development, as this is an investment in shaping the future of society. Protecting the rights of children from birth to youth is not only the duty of governments but also the shared responsibility of all adults. This serves as both a national obligation and a humane duty, shaping the future of the State.
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