World Vision reminds Solomon Island leaders and communities that child well-being must remain a priority

Across the globe, Universal Children’s Day is celebrated on 20 November each year to promote child wellbeing and unite people to improve the welfare of children.

This year World Vision celebrates the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child – adopted on 20 November 1989. This exceptional document outlines the universal standards of care for all people under the age of 18. It is the most widely endorsed human rights treaty in history, with 194 countries signed on. Solomon Islands signed up in 2nd September 1990.

The Convention has transformed the way children are viewed and treated. It has exerted an immense influence on legislation, policy, programmes, communities, families and individuals. So this should be celebrated. However, despite progress, children around the world still face challenges to their rights, dignity and lives.

In Solomon Islands, although statistical data on homeless children are unavailable, a number of children are living on the streets of Honiara. Likely reasons for their homelessness include deteriorating economic conditions and recurrent violent conflicts. They are extremely vulnerable to problems, such as sexual abuse, substance abuse, HIV and AIDS, and criminal activities. Moreover, support for these children is limited. The Christian Care Centre of the Anglican Church of Melanesia reported that the center has provided some assistance and serving as temporary refuge to close to 500 such children.

To address these issues and challenges, this anniversary year we are seeking to reinforce the critical importance of every child’s right to survival, development, protection and participation and the responsibility of governments, civil society and individuals to work with children to fulfil their rights.

World Vision focuses on the well-being of children, via programs that look at better health, education, economic development services, protection and community-based adaptation to climate change.

“World Vision will continue to work with children, families and their communities to provide life in all its fullness to children of Solomon Islands,” says Janes Imanuel Ginting, World Vision Solomon Islands Country Director.

World Vision Solomon Islands reminds leaders and decision makers, that children’s rights should be a priority within the post 2015 development framework, and would like to encourage Solomon Islands Government to increase their support for children because healthy, cared for and educated children become productive adults and contribute to healthy, peaceful and productive societies.