Africa-Press – Liberia. The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MOGCSP) is set to officially commemorate World Children’s Day in Monrovia. International Children’s Day is celebrated every year on November 20th worldwide with activities and initiatives that promote the welfare and rights of children.
The day was established to promote and protect children’s rights as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. These rights include the right to education, health, protection, and participation in decisions that affect their lives.
The event will take place on December 7, at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, and will focus on emphasizing the fundamental rights of children.
Lydia Sherman, Deputy Minister for Children and Social Protection at the Ministry of Gender, due to the national electoral process, Liberia suspended its official celebration, which is now scheduled for December 7 of this year.
Sherman also stated that this year’s International Children’s Day is observed under a global theme: ‘For Every Child, Every Right’, while Liberia will celebrate the day under a local theme: ‘Investing in Children’s Rights.’
“Primarily,” she added, “the day is to celebrate the boundless potential, the unwavering determination, and the incredible leadership of our children. It is a day that calls for reflection, inspiration, and action against all forms of violence against the rights of children. She noted that International Children’s Day serves as a global reminder of the importance of protecting and promoting the rights of Liberian children. It is an occasion for Liberians to pledge their commitment to creating an environment where every child in Liberia can thrive and reach their fullest potential.
She urged Liberians to recognize that children’s rights are human rights and that by protecting them, they are paving the way for a brighter future for children. According to her, children’s rights encompass a spectrum of fundamental principles: the right to education, the right to healthcare, the right to safety, the right to express themselves, the right to participate in decision-making processes, and much more. Society must ensure that these rights are not just words on paper but the very essence of their collective values and actions.
She further stated that as the Ministry commemorates International Children’s Day, they want to re-echo the government’s commitment to fostering an environment where children’s rights and leadership are not mere aspirations but concrete realities. “The CDC-led government did not do this alone,” she said. “We must highlight the importance of community involvement, including support from local and international child protection bodies; particularly, the role of the Child Protection Network of Liberia (CPN) cannot be overstated. Furthermore, as we invest in children’s well-being, we must prioritize the creation of information services and systems that are child-friendly. This means that we must ensure that children have access to accurate and age-appropriate information on a wide range of topics, including sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and educational and career opportunities.
In addition, she said that Liberia’s systems, be it in education, healthcare, or the justice system, must be designed with the specific needs of children in mind, ensuring children can flourish in every sector of Liberia’s development. Sherman continued by saying that, for Liberia to reach its full potential, Liberians must recognize that children are not just beneficiaries of their efforts but active agents of change. The children have the power to shape society, and they must be provided with the tools and opportunities they need to do so.
“To this end,” she said, “the Ministry will continue to work collaboratively with our partners, the CPN, to end all forms of violation against our children.”
Meanwhile, Sherman calls on all Liberians and residents to join the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection as they officially celebrate International Children’s Day. The Deputy Minister mentioned that, though their roles as appointed officials conclude following the electoral shift, they are confident that the incoming government will recognize the vital importance of such initiatives and build upon the progress achieved. The fight to ensure a safer environment for Liberian children transcends political affiliations and urges all stakeholders to maintain their commitment to this crucial cause.
“On behalf of the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Hon. Williametta E. Saydee-Tarr, and all other appointed officials of the Ministry,” she said, “we would like to extend our deepest thanks and gratitude to the President, His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah, for allowing us to serve the Liberian people. We want to thank our dedicated staff, our partners, civil society organizations, and the people of Liberia for their unwavering support throughout this journey. Let us continue this important work together, transcending political boundaries, for a Liberia where equality and justice prevail.
According to her, as Liberia celebrates International Children’s Day, they should reflect on the tremendous potential that lies within the nation’s children and pledge to invest in their rights, nurture their leadership, and prioritize their well-being, because it is not enough to simply commemorate the day; they must take action to create a brighter future for the Children of Liberia. She added that the children of Liberia are their future leaders, and together, they can ensure that they have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. “Let us work hand in hand, as a community and a nation, to create a more equitable and inclusive society where children are celebrated and empowered,” she said. “This is our commitment, not just for today but for every day, as we strive to make Liberia a place where every child can truly be the best. Thank you, and may we continue to invest in the future of our children and, by extension, the future of Liberia.”
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