In Central and South America, access to education for girls is a priority. Many girls called for leadership training and more instruction in mathematics and science so they could succeed in helping their communities. In response to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Costa Rica enacted the “Law of Responsive Fatherhood,” which guarantees the rights of 1/3 of the country’s children who are not recognized or supported by their fathers. In this way, they too can receive an education.

Children are also impacted by environmental degradation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1/3 of diseases in the world is caused by air, water and land pollution. Many people do not have access to good sanitation or clean drinking water. Pesticides in food and water also make children sick because their bodies are so small and cannot absorb toxic substances.

Treasure Bear learned that the environment where children live will determine whether they will survive after 5 years old. He also learned that washing your hands, disposing of waste properly and taking care of the water supply in a village, town or city is very important for the health of everyone. Adults and children should cook food well to avoid disease also. We should catch everyone’s dreams, not everyone’s germs!

Rigoberto Morales of Guatemala called the children of the world to learn more about their own rights. He is afraid that many people in the world do not know about the Rights of the Child. He is afraid that children will be going home from the Special Session with big dreams, but adults will not put these dreams into words. He challenged adults to involve children in decision making.