Each year globally, 20th November is celebrated as Universal Children’s Day. The Day reminds us to promote and celebrate children’s rights and promote togetherness and awareness amongst all children. The Day also marks the important anniversary of the United Nations adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959; and subsequently the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1989. Substantial global progress has been made in reducing child mortality and morbidity. These achievements could not have been without the commitments and efforts made by global leaders, governments, development partners, civil society and children themselves to develop, widely ratify and implement global strategies, declarations and conventions which are instrumental in transforming children’s lives, offering them opportunities to enjoy childhood.
As we commemorate this special Day, which also marks the 30th anniversary of the CRC, we need to critically think about what we are going to do differently for children in our society. Although the world as a whole has been accelerating progress in reducing the under-5 mortality rate, disparities exist across regions and countries. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region with the highest under-5 mortality rate in the world, with 1 child in 13 dying before his or her fifth birthday, 15 times higher than in high income countries. This is coupled with alarming statistics of 262 million children and youth being out of school, 650 million girls and women married before their 18th birthday, while 1 in 4 children will live in areas with extremely limited water resources by 2040. These statistics highlight how children’s lives, health and wellbeing are still compromised and not guaranteed.
SAfAIDS joins child-focused like-minded stakeholders in commemorating the Day, and reaffirming commitment to continuously create, foster, strengthen and amplify sustainable health and developmental solutions promoting health and wellbeing for all children. Through programmes at national and regional level, SAfAIDS partners with governments, the UN and other partners towards prioritising development of children in all spheres.; in particular within the HIV and SRH responses – and championing their rights to gender equality, education and access to adequate sanitation.
“Around the world, children are showing us their strength and leadership advocating for a more sustainable world for all. Let’s build on advances and re-commit to putting children first. For every child, every right.†                                 UN Secretary-General António Guterres
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