International Children’s Day :

Some funds meant for children going into private coffers

Warnakulasuriya Raja FERNANDO

Every year October 1 has been named 'International Children's Day'. The 'Rights of Children' proposed by the Central Board of the United Nations on November 20, 1989 has been recognized by the whole world.

By confirming the declaration of the 'Rights of Children' Sri Lanka possesses the pride of a history of 40 years of being a partner of this universal organization through which she is bound to be responsible for the 'Rights of Children.'

The time has come to look back and evaluate if this responsibility is carried out in the right manner. Not only in Sri Lanka but also in the whole world millions of children are neglected by elders and they face numerous difficulties and dangers and fight for survival in the midst of social evils like child abuse, child labour and poverty.

Isn't it because they have no one to intercede for them? If so, what is the use of having children's organizations, publications, various laws and regulations to protect children? The international community is greatly aware of the services and massive projects of the Unite Nations’ Children's Fund, the United Nation's Food Programme and the states and Non-governmental Organizations which are working on behalf of child welfare. Their services are much appreciated.

Malnutrition and child abuse

Though numerous states and Non-governmental Organizations spend millions of dollars out of compassion for humanity for the protection of children, the international observation is that there are problems.

According to the ordinances for the protection of World Human Rights, the National Child Protection Authority and Child Probation should take the necessary measures for providing child care, education, health and preventing malnutrition and child abuse.

Today nearly 20 percent of children in the world are subjected to physical weakness due to malnutrition, according to the statistics shown by the World Food Organization.

Though the organizations mentioned above fulfill a mighty task in protecting children it is proper to investigate how a large number of the lives of children are blighted.

The following are the international laws and universal declarations.

* 1924 - Geneva Declaration on Children's Rights

* 1948 - Universal Declaration of the United Nations

* 1959 - Declaration of Children's Rights

* 1950 - International Declaration on Civil and Political Rights

* 1989 - Declaration on Children's Rights

The above declarations are taken as precepts to protect the Rights of children in Sri Lanka and they are included in the constitutions of the Republic of Sri Lanka.

We appreciate greatly the organizations involved in protecting children's Rights but on the pretext of protecting the children's Rights millions of rupees given as international donations to protect the Rights of children are often spent on self gain and upliftment of themselves.

Aren't these donations given to be utilized to fulfill the basic needs of the parentless or the children who are deserted by the parents or who are left without any security, education, shelter, medical aid, food and sleep? Children are unaware of the massive donations spent by the international community for the activities of those organizations to uplift them.

Even if the children know, they are aware of their inability to speak on behalf of themselves and it has helped some of the organizations to make it a chance to get profit for themselves by giving a small amount to one or two children's institution and gain popularity as great humanists through the mass media. Sometimes the children who are subjected to child abuse and harassment are found in the homes of those responsible for these charitable organizations.

International community

When we speak of the International Children's Day the services rendered by women of today for the children are very great and fruitful. To commemorate this significant day (International Children's Day) a programme of work is launched by the United Nations’ Food Programme, which has been active for a long time. It has won the confidence of the international community in alleviating hunger and poverty and leading children along the correct path.

It has proved that the solution to the problems of this noble task is found only through women's intervention in bringing up children in their homes providing food, security, peace and harmony. They can contribute to creating a better environment in society, reducing the gap between the male and female and male domination, promoting equal Rights between both partners and by building right understanding between them and supporting economic and social development. They can promote the organization of the family, considering their human resources, principles and professional aptitudes.

Proposals for Sri Lanka and international organizations on the occasion of International Children's Day:

* Financial aid and food for the marginalized.

* Financial aid to start self-employment.

* Advice to create self-employment.

* The disabled and retarded should be given open bank accounts to get their medical facilities.

* Financial aid to renovate their houses - books and stationery for poor children for their education.

* Providing medical consultation to protect physical and mental health.

* Organizing workshops and camps, about food and nutrients.

May those who think compassionately and humanely also consider this matter realistically.