In commemoration of World Children’s Day this year, the UNICEF on Friday, Nov. 20, urged the Philippine government and the society to “listen” to the concerns of the Filipino children – especially those who are experiencing various threats to the fulfillment of their rights.
The UNICEF noted that this year’s anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child - which is considered as the most widely ratified human rights treaty in the world – takes place during one of the most challenging moments for the fulfillment of children’s rights in the Philippines.
“The COVID-19 pandemic, combined with a threatening typhoon season, have upended thousands of children’s lives and has left many more children uncertain about their future,” UNICEF said.
Currently, UNICEF pointed out that children face a trifecta of threats which include direct consequences of the disease itself; interruption of essential services; and increasing poverty and inequality.
A UNICEF report entitled “Averting a Lost COVID Generation” revealed data from different countries of the dire and growing consequences for children as the pandemic drags on.
“Children’s and adolescents’ mental health has suffered during the pandemic,” the report said. “Globally, the number of children living in multidimensional poverty –without access to education, health, housing, nutrition, sanitation, or water is estimated to have soared to a 15 per cent increase, an additional 150 million children by mid-2020,” it added.
To address these, UNICEF recommended a “Six Point Action Plan” that calls on governments and partners to prioritize children’s needs.
These are: (1) ensuring that all children learn, by closing the digital divide; (2) guaranteeing access to health and nutrition services and making vaccines affordable and available to every child; (3) supporting and protecting the mental health of children and young people and bring an end to abuse, gender-based violence and neglect in childhood; (4) increasing access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene and address environmental degradation and climate change; (5) reversing the rise in child poverty and ensure an inclusive recovery for all; and (6) redoubling the efforts to protect and support children and their families living through conflict, disaster and displacement.
Likewise, UNICEF Philippines also called upon children and youth to “raise their voices” and calls upon adults to listen to them and commit to acting on their concerns.