{"id":68034,"date":"2024-11-22T14:59:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-22T14:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/liberia\/all-news\/unicef-urges-liberia-to-prioritize-childrens-voices-rights"},"modified":"2024-11-22T14:59:00","modified_gmt":"2024-11-22T14:59:00","slug":"unicef-urges-liberia-to-prioritize-childrens-voices-rights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/liberia\/all-news\/unicef-urges-liberia-to-prioritize-childrens-voices-rights","title":{"rendered":"UNICEF Urges Liberia to Prioritize Children\u2019s Voices, Rights"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Liberia. <\/strong><\/span>As Liberia joined the world in celebrating World Children\u2019s Day, UNICEF Representative Andy Brooks issued a heartfelt call to action, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the voices and rights of children. Reflecting on the theme, \u201cListen to the Future,\u201d Brooks highlighted the progress made under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) while emphasizing the significant work that remains to secure a brighter future for Liberia\u2019s youngest citizens.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdopted 45 years ago, the CRC is the single most ratified human rights treaty in the world,\u201d Brooks said. \u201cIt symbolizes a universal commitment to children \u2014 more than any other global cause. Today, as we reflect on its impact, we must renew our efforts to fulfill its promises.\u201d<\/p>\n

With children comprising 42% of Liberia\u2019s population, Brooks underscored the necessity of amplifying their voices. \u201cThis is not a small constituency,\u201d he said. \u201cListening to children offers unparalleled insights into the challenges they face and the solutions they need. It\u2019s time we prioritize their perspectives in shaping policies that directly impact their lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of Liberia\u2019s most significant achievements in child rights has been the improvement in birth registration. Brooks noted that in 2007, only 4% of children under five were registered at birth. Today, that figure has climbed to 66%, representing substantial progress. However, challenges remain, as 34% of Liberian children still lack a legal identity.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen children aren\u2019t registered, they don\u2019t officially exist,\u201d Brooks explained. \u201cThis means no one plans for their education or healthcare. Addressing this gap is essential to ensure every child has access to the services they deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n

The issue of legal identity is prominently featured in Liberia\u2019s forthcoming National Development Plan, which Brooks commended for its commitments to improving child welfare.<\/p>\n

Despite progress in some areas, child labor and violence against children continue unabated in Liberia. Brooks highlighted the alarming statistic that three in ten children are engaged in child labor, often under harsh and exploitative conditions.<\/p>\n

\u201cChild labor robs children of their potential, and violence remains a pervasive threat,\u201d he said. \u201cEven though the war has ended, its legacy of violence persists, affecting countless children.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brooks acknowledged Liberia\u2019s participation in the first Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children in Colombia, calling it a significant step toward addressing the issue. However, he stressed the urgent need for more trained social workers.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith only 73 social workers in the entire country, we lack the human resources to protect vulnerable children,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is not just a supply issue \u2014 it\u2019s a matter of ensuring that children experiencing violence have access to professional care and support.\u201d<\/p>\n

Education remains a cornerstone of child development, but Liberia faces daunting challenges in this sector. Nearly half of all school-age children are out of school, a statistic Brooks described as devastating.<\/p>\n

The Ministry of Education\u2019s \u201cBack to My Classroom\u201d campaign, launched earlier this year, aims to enroll 250,000 children in school over the next three years. While Brooks praised this initiative, he highlighted the need to address the quality of education and the state of school infrastructure.<\/p>\n

\u201cDuring a recent visit to schools with the Minister of Education, we saw classrooms with collapsing ceilings and overwhelming odors. This is unacceptable,\u201d he said. \u201cWe must ensure that when children return to school, they find environments conducive to learning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Teacher training, particularly for early-grade educators, was also emphasized as a critical area needing improvement. \u201cQuality education depends on well-trained teachers,\u201d Brooks said. \u201cWe need to invest in their professional development to build a strong foundation for our children.\u201d<\/p>\n

Health outcomes for children in Liberia remain a pressing concern, particularly neonatal mortality rates, which have been worsening. Brooks commended the Ministry of Health for launching a comprehensive Child Survival Action Plan but emphasized the need for sustained investment in healthcare systems, especially at the community level.<\/p>\n

Malnutrition also remains a significant issue, with one in three children under five affected. \u201cIn Bong and Nimba counties, we\u2019ve seen acute shortages of nutrition supplies,\u201d Brooks reported. \u201cThis is an area that demands immediate attention.\u201d<\/p>\n

The theme of this year\u2019s World Children\u2019s Day celebration, \u201cListen to the Future,\u201d resonated deeply with all stakeholders. Deputy Minister for Administration and Acting Minister for MGCSP, Frederick S. Cooper, Jr. of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MGCSP), emphasized the importance of recognizing children as active participants in shaping their communities and the nation.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur children are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the change makers of today,\u201d Cooper said. \u201cBy listening to their voices, we empower them to contribute meaningfully to their families, communities, and the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cooper called on parents, caregivers, and policymakers to create environments where children feel safe, heard, and valued. \u201cFostering trust and open communication is essential for nurturing the next generation of leaders and problem-solvers,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

As Liberia charts its path forward, Brooks expressed optimism about the commitments outlined in the country\u2019s National Development Plan. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot to be hopeful about,\u201d he said. \u201cThe plan includes meaningful strategies to improve the lives of children. Now, it\u2019s up to us to turn those commitments into tangible results.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brooks concluded by reiterating the importance of collaboration. \u201cWorld Children\u2019s Day is not just a celebration \u2014 it\u2019s a call to action,\u201d he said. \u201cTogether, we must ensure that every child in Liberia has the opportunity to realize their full potential. Listening to their voices is not only an obligation but also a privilege that will shape a brighter future for all.\u201d<\/p>\n

For More News And Analysis About Liberia<\/a> Follow Africa-Press<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Liberia. As Liberia joined the world in celebrating World Children\u2019s Day, UNICEF Representative Andy Brooks issued a heartfelt call to action, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the voices and rights of children. Reflecting on the theme, \u201cListen to the Future,\u201d Brooks highlighted the progress made under the Convention on the Rights of the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":68033,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,12],"tags":[233,237,234],"class_list":["post-68034","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-news","category-policy","tag-africa-press","tag-africa-press-liberia","tag-liberia"],"yoast_head":"\nUNICEF Urges Liberia to Prioritize Children\u2019s Voices, Rights - Liberia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/liberia\/all-news\/unicef-urges-liberia-to-prioritize-childrens-voices-rights\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"UNICEF Urges Liberia to Prioritize Children\u2019s Voices, Rights\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Africa-Press – Liberia. 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