– As delivered –
Statement by H.E. Tijjani Muhammad Bande, President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
25 September 2019
Heads of State and Government,
Secretary-General,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Today we gather to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We recall the leadership of Poland, and its role as champion for child rights when it took the lead on the Convention.
The first set of member states from the various regions of the world to ratify the convention are represented here today – Ghana, Ecuador, Vietnam, Sweden and the Russian Federation. I call on your continued leadership nationally, regionally, and here at the United Nations, to support and advance the rights of the child. I am also happy that we are joined by Ms. Muzoon Almellehan who is a beacon of hope to millions of children. Ms. Almellehan’s message will inspire all of us to do more for the sake of our children.
This event is significant in two respects. First, thirty years has lapsed since we took the step of codifying what could be described as inalienable rights of the Child and ensuring that as from that moment those rights belonging to our children are no longer treated as secondary. Second, this event represents a moment for bold action to ensure that we leave no child behind. It is our responsibility to ensure that every child reaches his or her full potential.
There has been significant progress since the adoption of the Convention in 1989. Over 58% reduction in under-five mortality rate has been witnessed from 1990 to 2017, while the rate of malnourished children has also reduced by 44% in that period. Significant as these is, we cannot rest on our oars, as 22% of children under five globally are still chronically malnourished.
Also, the fact that we are yet to witness universal ratification of the convention by all UN member states indicates that a significant scale up of efforts is required to ensure fulfillment of Child Rights. It is important that Member States ratify and, that those that have, recommit to the implementation of the Convention.
We need to ensure that our children have access to health care and education. I have included quality education as one of my main priorities for the 74th Session, as we have a duty to ensure that every child, everywhere, has access to quality education. While the policies for ensuring quality education in each member state may vary, it is important that we guarantee quality in both curricula and teachers. We must create a conducive environment for the advancement of opportunities for vulnerable children in the society; boys and girls alike.
Excellencies
We need to place emphasis on the rights of the girl-child among national priorities, especially as a total of 650 million girls, globally, are reported to have been married out before attaining age 18. It is crucial that girls are encouraged to stay in school and attain necessary capacity for mental and human capacity development. Basic literacy can no longer be the standard for success as all efforts should be geared towards ensuring that the girl-child develops her innate potential, realize her dreams and aspire to any height in the society. Congruent to this, is the need to provide second chance education programmes, sanitation facilities and safe path to school for our girls. Early and forced marriage is catastrophic for women and girls and it is detrimental to our societies.
We need to ensure that our children have access to health care and education. I have included quality education as one of my main priorities for the 74th Session, as we have a duty to ensure that every child, everywhere, has access to quality education
Excellencies
As we prepare to celebrate the Anniversary of the Adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in November 2019, we should consider today as the beginning of the conversation and continue to ponder on how to resolve the challenges that children still face. We are the guarantors of the future of our children, therefore, we are duty-bound to act together and ensure that they do not only survive but also thrive.
I look forward to our continued discussion as we prepare to make progress for children everywhere.
I thank you.
