President of Parliament Hon. drs Gracita Arrindell is calling on parents and families to set aside time on Sunday 20 November, to celebrate Universal Children’s Day.
The majority of nations recognize the fundamental importance of children to our lives, our families, and our futures. 20 November is a day to celebrate the joy and pure delight that children can bring to our society, Arrindell said.
By resolution 836 IX of 14 December 1954, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly recommended that all countries institute a Universal Children’s Day, to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children.
It recommended that the Day was to be observed also with an activity devoted to promoting the ideals and objectives of the Charter and the welfare of the children of the world.
The date of 20 November marks the day on which the Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, in 1959, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, in 1989.
"Parents and families should take time out to observe and celebrate the great blessing of children, the joy, and hope they bring to our lives and to the nation.
"Spending quality time with your children, and giving them the love and respect they deserve, at least a big hug a day, and a smile, goes a long way to making our children feel loved and wanted.
"It must start from home. I encourage parents and caretakers to stay with their kids when they attend any sports activities and not only to drop them off and return after the game is over. They want you to be there to see them play.
"There is no duty more important than ensuring that a child’s rights are respected and that their welfare is protected, and that they live free from fear.
"Parliament has started to deal with a number of issues related to children and youth. This week the various factions in parliament discussed with the Court of Guardianship joint custody of minors among many other issues.
"Within short Members of Parliament will be meeting with various organizations and entities that deal with young people regarding a central registration system for child abuse.
"I would like to wish the nation’s children and youth a happy universal children’s day this coming Sunday. We must all remember that the nation’s future lies in the hands of our children" President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell said on Friday.