Children around the world are facing various challenges such as hunger, poverty, inequality, and discrimination. In a powerful plea, Save the Children CEO Inger Ashing emphasizes the importance of ensuring a brighter future for children in the next 100 years. She highlights the story of Bhumika, a 16-year-old girl from Nepal, who dreams of a world where every child’s voice is heard and respected. 2020 marks 100 years since the adoption of the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child by the League of Nations, signifying significant progress in children’s rights over the past century. While strides have been made, there are still areas where children are being denied their rights or facing reversals in progress.
Despite the strides made in children’s rights over the past century, there are still significant challenges that children face globally. One in five children is married or in a union before the age of 18, with higher rates in impoverished countries. Childhood hunger remains pervasive, and approximately one in five children is living in a conflict zone. Save the Children’s work in areas like Renk, South Sudan, illustrates the impact of conflict on children, with many experiencing unimaginable hardship and loss. Children in conflict zones are particularly vulnerable to rights violations and face obstacles in accessing basic needs such as education.
Children themselves are speaking out about their rights and the importance of protecting the planet for future generations. Naomi, a 14-year-old from South Sudan, emphasizes the role of adults in safeguarding the world for children, reminding leaders that the future belongs to them. Children’s rights and the UN Sustainable Development Goals are crucial in shaping policies that aim to end poverty, achieve peace, and ensure a sustainable future for all. It is essential for leaders and policymakers to listen to children’s voices and prioritize their needs and perspectives in decision-making processes.
Inger Ashing underscores the importance of creating safe and child-friendly spaces where children can speak freely and their ideas are respected. Children have unique insights into the actions needed to protect their present and future. Listening to children like Celine, a 13-year-old from Syria, who longs for a future full of hope, peace, and love, is crucial in co-creating a better world for the next generation. Upholding children’s rights and supporting their calls to action is essential in building a safer, greener, and more sustainable world for all.
The current erosion of progress in children’s rights, exacerbated by conflicts, poverty, and the climate crisis, presents a significant threat to the gains made over the past 100 years. It is vital for governments, civil society, and individuals to work together to address these challenges and ensure a brighter future for children globally. By prioritizing children’s rights and actively involving children in shaping policies and decisions, we can create a world where every child’s voice is heard, respected, and valued. Let us work together to ensure that the next 100 years bring a brighter reality for children around the world.
