UNICEF Oman and Children First Association host joint booth at Muscat International Book Fair

UNICEF Oman and Children First Association (CFA) for the first time hosted a joint booth at the Muscat International Book Fair (MIBF) to celebrate reading and engage children in a discussion on child rights.

UNICEF and CFA have a long-term partnership in place with the shared goal of improving the well-being of children in Oman. This is the first time they have collaborated at MIBF.

The book fair ran from 21 February to 2 March and during that time students of all ages from both Government and private schools flocked to the booth. Popular daily activities included discussions about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

The United Nations General Assembly adopted the CRC in 1989 – with Oman ratifying the CRC in 1996 – making 2019 the 30^th anniversary year.

To celebrate 30 years of the CRC, UNICEF and CFA used the book fair to kick of a series of events centred around the CRCs and the SDGs – exploring the rights that exist, how to achieve them, and what the anniversary of the convention means to the children of Oman.

The conversations about the SDGs focused on those most  applicable to Oman such as: SDG4 Quality Education; SDG 8 Decent work and Economic growth; SDG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities; and SDG16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

“I choose decent work and economic growth, because in my opinion I think Oman needs to focus on the youth, providing them with job opportunities, to perform better and with innovative ideas.” – Maryam, 12

Through the discussions it emerged that most  children were surprised to learn that they had rights – 54 to be exact!

“Every child should know they have rights. Knowing my rights has made me aware of how to deal with future situations, I now also know how to voice my concern and call the Child Protection hotline at 1100.” – Khawla, 12

Omani artist and CFA member Thuraya Al-Rahbi also organised painting workshops the booth – encouraging creativity in students aged 12 to 14. The artwork showcased Omani heritage and culture and helped promote CFA’s effort to   help the children of Oman.

UNICEF and CFA also collaborated with the  Ministry of Information to host a seminar titled “Children and Future Media.”

The seminar explored the role of digital media in shaping the minds of the children and highlighted Article 17 of the CRC which stipulates that children have the right to gain access to information and mass media.  The seminar acknowledged “the media” as a force for both good and harm – on the one hand improve access to information and knowledge but on the other catalysing an increase in cyber bullying.

There was also much excitement at the booth when Ali Al-Habsi, the first Omani footballer to have a successful career in Europe, stopped by.  Mr Al-Habsi’s is a hero figure for all children aspiring a career in sports.