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| © UNICEF Panama/Limpias |
| Nils Kastberg (center) with conference attendees in Bolivia. |
“This is an important day for all Bolivians,” said Nils Kastberg, UNICEF regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean. “When a government makes a commitment, and acts to invest in the well-being of all children, then there is hope for that country’s future.”
The vow to invest in indigenous, those of African descent, and disenfranchised children came at the close of the V Conferencia Iberamerican de Ministra, Ministros y Altos Responsables de la infancia y adolescencia.
The importance of listening to children was highlighted by Gabriela Azurduy who spoke to the gathering on her experience during the 2002 United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Children. During the Special Session, Gabriela addressed the General Assembly to urge world leaders to listen when children speak. Her message to the conference focussed on the importance of including every child.
Finally, the voices of five representatives from the Bolivian Parliament of children were heard at the close of the conference, “We want them to take us into account. We have the right to express ourselves. We need schools to learn to read and to write.”
For more information contact:
Viviana Limpias
UNICEF Panama
Communication Officer, TACRO
507-3159-7481
