"Our future depends on my present" - the 3rd Child Parliament opens in the Assembleia da República
MAPUTO, Mozambique, 2 August 2011 - This morning, some 114 young delegates from across Mozambique were gathered in the main hall of the Assembleia da Republica (parliament) for the official opening of the 3rd Child Parliament in Mozambique, a gathering that lasts for three days and involves deliberations on topics of importance to both adults and children. Organized by MMAS, the Child Parliament is an initiative to promote and strengthen children's rights, in particular the right to participation and expression.
The motto of the 3rd Child Parliament is "Our future depends on my present", emphasizing the need to provide opportunities for and safeguard the rights of every child in order to build a future for the country. Several dignitaries attended the opening. Graça Machel spoke on behalf of civil society, whereas Yolanda Cintura, Minister of Women and Social Action, represented the Government, and Veronica Macamo, President of Parliament, represented the Assembleia da Republica.In his speech to the assembled delegates, UNICEF representative Jesper Morch emphasized children's right to participation and their right to have access to information. Following the opening, the young delegates elected its officers and proceeded to deliberate and consult on important issues, such as premature marriage, sexual abuse and HIV, and to review the progress that has been made in implementing the recommendations from last year's meeting. Tomorrow, the young delegates will meet with the country's Government and be given the opportunity to ask questions directly to the Ministers. The session will be closed by President Armando Guebuza. 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
|
