Quinzena da Criança 2012 - a fortnight focused on children
MAPUTO, Mozambique, 30 May 2012 – The Quinzena da Criança is a fortnight of activities dedicated to children and their rights that begins with the International Day of the Child on June 1 and ends with the Day of the African Child on June 16. It is an annual event that involves all parts and all levels of society in the promotion of children’s rights. On the occasion of the Quinzena da Criança this year, UNICEF Mozambique Representative Jesper Morch issued the following statement: "This year’s Quinzena da Criança is focused on the rights and inclusive care of children living with disability, which is a focus that UNICEF welcomes and supports". We recognize that the concept of disability is a result of the interaction between functional limitations of individuals on the one hand and attitudinal and environmental barriers on the other, and we wish to address these limitations and barriers in order to promote the inclusion and participation of children with disabilities in the affairs of society. We do this within a framework of human rights - as we believe that all children, including children with disabilities, have inalienable rights that must be respected by society at large. These rights include the right to health care, education and participation in decisions and matters that concern the children themselves. The Government, civil society organizations, UNICEF, the UN system and others all need to work together to support a change in attitude towards people with disability, allowing all children to be respected and appreciated in their own right. They must also help create a positive environment, where laws, policies, products and support structures serve all children, regardless of their condition and challenges. UNICEF realizes that these are efforts that require a long-term perspective, but we firmly believe that we are at a point where we can make great progress in improving the opportunities for children with disabilities. The Quinzena da Criança provides an opportunity to bring issues related to children with disability into focus. We encourage our partners and friends to play an active part in the Quinzena and to support the many events and activities that will take place during this time.” For more information, please contact Arild Drivdal, UNICEF Mozambique, tel. (+258) 21 481 100; email: maputo@unicef.org Gabriel Pereira, UNICEF Mozambique, tel. (+258) 21 481 100; email: maputo@unicef.org
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