The adults who attended the United Nation's Special Session on the Rights of the Child came together in New York City to do two things. First, they came together to assess the progress that has been made since the last Special Session on the Rights of the Child. Second, they came together to discuss how best to protect children and adolescents from the terrors that plague our world.
In doing so, the adults addressed issues such as ignorance, poverty, disease, exploitation, and war. They addressed the AIDS crisis, child labor, and the current inability of our world's lawmakers to protect children from these dangers. Over and over again, the adults proclaimed the same message. Much has been done for children over the past decade but much more must be done if the world is ever to be truly fit for children.
During the course of the Special Session, the adults promised to continue to work on shaping our world into one fit for children. At times, the promises seemed hollow, with delegates merely paying lip service to the goals of the Special Session. At other times, the promises seemed superficial, with delegates appearing too afraid of change to take action. But most of the time, the promises seemed genuine, with delegates expressing much hope and a general commitment for the future.
Imagine what the world would look like if adults are able to fulfill the promises that they have made. Imagine if adults are able to make sure that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a world where he or she can go to school everyday, play outside, be nurtured by their families, and fulfill the dreams that inspire them.
Talk to your family about your dreams and how they can support you in them. Ask your family to help you encourage adults to act as advocates for children, to reach out to children around the world.
