Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
The Collective Voice of The Muslim World
Date: 20/11/2013
On the occasion of the Universal Children’s Day, I wish extend my greetings and good wishes to the children of the world. It is important to recall that the entire international community, in this day, comes together, on this day, to renew its commitment to the 1959 Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the 1989 Convention of the Rights of the Child. Taking into account that children are the world’s greatest asset, the international community decided to declare this day to celebrate childhood, as well as to encourage countries to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children and to initiate action to benefit and promote the welfare of the world’s children. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation has prioritized the concerns of the children in its agenda and has taken up various programs and projects to address issues facing children. The 4th Session of the Islamic Conference of Ministers In-charge of Childhood, held earlier in this month in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan, took up the issues facing children and decided on an action plan to address challenges, including children’s right to education, proper health care, and protection from abuse, forced labor, recruitment of child soldiers and their trafficking. On this auspicious day, I would call on the international community to come forward to the cause of children, especially those living in dire conditions and suffering as victims of civil strifes, conflicts and natural disasters.
