Why do we have children? This is a question we seldom pose when we discuss the obligations of parents and the general adult world towards children. The reasons we have children may be as varied as the differences in culture, socio-economic background, religion, etc. But what is certain is that children need to be loved, cherished, and cared for in order to be able to develop to their maximum potential, no matter if they come into this world by accident or by design.It is in recognition of this fundamental human right–and yes, children are human beings, too, not chattels or possessions–that the United Nations General Assembly on November 20, 1959, adopted its Declaration of the Rights of the Child. This is why we celebrate today as the International Day of the Rights of the Child.
But what does this really mean? It simply means, in my humble opinion, that just as adults, children have rights, too. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, (CROC), therefore, generally outlines the civil, social, political, economic, and cultural rights of children. The Convention acknowledges among others that every child has the right to life, the right to his or her own name and identity, to be raised by his or her parents within a family or cultural grouping, and to have a relationship with both parents, even if they are separated.
The Convention further acknowledges the right of every child to have a country, to be protected from exploitation and all forms of abuse, and for his or her parents to exercise their responsibilities as parents. In addition, the Convention acknowledges the right of children to express their opinions and that these should be appropriately heard and acted upon.
Do we respect these rights of our children?
For this year's commemoration, St. Martin has chosen the theme: "Non-violence: a sure way to protect our children." Given the recent spike in youth violence on the island, this theme could not be more appropriate. I urge all our schools to focus on this theme as they design and embark on activities to mark this year's International Week of the Rights of the Child.
I am pleased to note that the celebration is not limited to one day, or one week, but will continue straight into the New Year. The annual exhibit and storytelling at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library is open to students and the general public and will last from November 22nd – December 3rd 2010. Similarly, a poster and bumper-sticker campaign will commence in January 2011, while a talent show and children's museum focusing on children of day care and early stimulation centers are slated for the beginning of the coming year.
Let me also point out that UJIMA Foundation is hosting an Educational Festival on December 5th which falls within the domain of the rights of children. I am appealing through this medium for everyone to support this effort without reservations.
All these activities are aimed at increasing awareness of the rights of the child, but perhaps the best way for us adults to ensure that these rights are not only protected but also enhanced is to spend time with our children. No parent should be too busy to spend time with his or her children. It is perhaps the greatest gift we can give them.
The time we spend with our children not only builds their self-esteem and confidence, but also becomes a treasure of memories when they grow into adulthood. It is what they would cherish the most, much more than the Nintendo games, DSI, or other expensive toys we buy for them. Time, quality time, spent playing with them, helping them with their homework, telling them life-inspiring stories, and generally inculcating in them the values we all hold sacred as members of this society... that is precious time that is worth much more than gold.
Non-violence is a learned habit: children learn to be peaceful when they are not forced to experience domestic violence or verbal violence. The only antidote to the violence that is plaguing our societies today is for adults to respect this fundamental right of children to live in peaceful surroundings. Violence breeds more violence, while non-violence begets peace.
On this very special day, I wish one and all a very peaceful celebration of the International Day of the Rights of the Child. We must do right by our children and respect their rights.
I thank you.