World Children's Day celebration continues with the National Children's Parliament

This sixth commemoration of World Children’s Day comes at a time when the world is in dire need of champions for children. Through the years we have made significant progress in honoring the vision of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) but there are still challenges to confront to ensure the realization of child rights for every child. Thirty-three years later, the Convention on the Rights of the Child remains relevant and continues to require our collective efforts to recognize and uphold the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of children.  

As we commemorate another World Children’s Day, UNICEF is calling on governments, international partners, the private sector, and communities to:

1. ensure that delivering on the promises, and honoring the commitment to the CRC, remains a national priority.
2. support the national children’s agenda as an exponential investment in Belize’s development
3. mainstream the participation of children to raise their voices on issues that matter to their generation and to demand for adults to create a better future.
4. stand up for children everywhere – and commit to building a world free from discrimination and inequality, for every child.

In collaboration with the National Commission for Families and Children (NCFC), UNICEF Belize continues to promote children as an essential part of citizen engagement where young people who constitute 64% of the country’s population engage with and position their concerns to decision makers. This year children shared their views and advocated for their rights around the theme of inclusion and freedom from discrimination. These included activities in the media, sporting events and support to institutions that champion inclusion and diversity for all children. A highlight of this year’s commemoration is today’s hosting of the 2022 National Children’s Parliament where children will take their concerns to the highest level of decision-making in the country. Fifty-one of the country’s diverse demography will position a bill to reimagine education and modernize vocational education in Belize, relevant for the 21^st century.

UNICEF reaffirms its partnership in assisting the Government and national stakeholders to accelerate efforts to respond to the needs of Belizean children and advance our collective commitments to the Rights of the Child.

UNICEF also takes this opportunity to send greetings to the children of Belize wishing them a happy World Children’s Day and join families, schools and communities to continue to celebrate by spending quality time with our children, engaging them in positive activities and discussions.