Speech at the opening of the 92nd session of the National Assembly Committee on the Rights of the Child, he stressed that its work is more important than ever.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment Universal Declaration of the Rights of Man (UDHR), and Mr. Türk noted that the document paved the way for rights, dignity and equality for all.
“As we begin the one year anniversary of the Declaration, let us strive to ensure that children’s rights remain a shared priority for us,” he said. speak.
Refusing respect
The High Commissioner reports that respect for children’s rights worldwide is seriously declining.
“Children bear the burden of trying to respond COVID-19 pandemic, especially affecting their right to education. Mr. Türk said the reality of climate change is threatening their lives today and their future.
Meanwhile, defenders of children’s rights, especially girls and gender disparate children, have face increased repression in many countries.
Stripped of ceiling minimum
Many boys and girls worldwide continue to live in war zones or with severe humanitarian needs, and in all crises, children are among those most affected. .
“The data reflects cold reality. Children account 41 percent of the more than 100 million people forcibly displaced in the world,” he added.
“In the 15 countries affected by the crisis, some 40 million children suffer from severe nutritional insecuritynot getting the bare minimum they need to grow and develop in childhood.”
Support for UN treaties
High Commissioner said his office is in the process of finalizing a plan that will facilitate the work of the Child Rights Commission and other agencies. United Nations treaty body.
10 This committee, consisting of experts from around the world, oversees the implementation of core international human rights treaties that address issues such as ending discrimination against women, preventing torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
The plan includes the introduction of a predictable assessment schedule, which can only be accomplished through modern digital tools, thus improving efficiency.
“The job of my Office and treaty bodies is to strengthen each otherand we will continue to build on your discussions, considerations and substantive outcomes,” he said.
“Your jurisprudence, general remarks and concluding observations on specific country situations constitute essential guidance for the work of my Office and the United Nations system on human rights in general.”
Sponsorship needed
Mr. Türk said he also knew about chronic underfunding of the treaty body systemcontributed to a significant backlog of State reports and personal communications.
“Promoting the full implementation of treaty-based human rights obligations requires sustained funding from Member States. It also requires adequate funding from my Office,” said Mr Türk, emphasizing his full commitment.
Furthermore, the momentum surrounding UDHR’s founding anniversary also presents new opportunities.
“It gives us the opportunity to strengthen cooperation and cohesion between international and regional human rights mechanisms. The Commission has great potential to engage with all 196 member states of the Convention on the Rights of the Child through dialogue on children’s issues as a starting point,” he said.
Child-friendly reporting
Mr. Türk previews a UN meeting Dong Nhan Quyen Association in March, for the first time, children from different regions will join him for a group discussion about the challenges and opportunities they face in exercising their rights in the digital space. .
He added that his upcoming report to the Council on the Rights of the Child will focus on comprehensive social protection.
It will come with a kid-friendly version, informed by children’s perspectives and experiences.
Ensuring children’s rights
The High Commissioner began his remarks by quoting the Commission’s children’s adviser, climate activist Maya-Nutuk from Greenland, who has stated that children are a priority, not an option. .
“I believe Maya’s words, and the voices of other children like her, can guide today’s discussion,” he said.
“Guide us continue to prioritize children’s rights. Motivate us to make sure their voices are not only heard, but heard. And call us to respond, and act. To ensure that all children, everywhere, enjoy fundamental rights and freedoms.”
