SDGs ERA & THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN

By Aysha Jaral - TLBBHFoundation Guest Blogger from Pakistan

There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” -Nelson Mandela

There is nothing more innocent and pure in this world than the children. But are we holding out on protecting children’s rights?

We are living in 21st century and our children are still bearing corporal punishments in schools. A large number of our beggars are children under the age of 10 years. Everyday we hear a new story of child sexual abuse and it is a crying shame.

Whenever I think about children and children rights, it reminds me of a wonderful Oscar winner movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ which shows the reality that how cruel world use the innocent children for their own purpose.

Now lets have a look how much work for the protection of children rights has been done and is in process.

UNICEF is responsible for 7 global SDG indicators and co-custodian for further 10 indicators. Its work is structured around 5 overarching areas of well-being for every child. These are;

1. Every child survives and thrives

2. Every child learns

3. Every child is protected from violence and exploitation

4. Every child lives in a safe and clean environment

5. Every child has a fair chance in life

So, SDG agenda 2030, can bring a hope to the children all around the world. Every child has right to live, to get quality education and good health. Their mental health is really important, because the future belongs to them.

As Frederick Douglass says; “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”