-at Rights of the Child observance
President Irfaan Ali yesterday lamented “broken systems” meant to protect children.
Speaking at an event to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), President Ali highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive reforms. He noted that the very structures designed to support children are collapsing, leaving many vulnerable. “We must separate children from broken systems and instead find mechanisms that truly protect them,” he asserted.
The President emphasised that safeguarding children’s rights begins with strengthening families. “Stronger families will build stronger communities, which will lead to a stronger nation,” he said.
Reflecting on the global context, he added, “We live in a painful world when it comes to children’s rights.” He called for collective action to remedy these injustices and ensure a brighter future for all children.
The Rights of the Child Commission (RCC), in collaboration with UNICEF, hosted the ceremony at the seawall bandstand, Georgetown. It brought together government officials, child rights advocates and children from various schools across Georgetown to reflect on the pro-gress made in protecting children’s rights and to recommit to advancing these efforts.
In brief remarks to the gathering Rose-mary Benjamin-Noble, Deputy Chairper-son of the RCC, reminded the audience of the Commission’s ongoing work in advocating for policies that uphold the CRC.
UNICEF’s Area Representative for Guyana and Suriname, Nicolas Pron, called on all stakeholders to intensify their efforts in safeguarding children’s futures, particularly as global challenges like climate change and economic inequality increasingly affect their lives.
He added that “This commemoration serves as a reminder of this commitment we all made to children around the world three and a half decades ago, to ensure that they grow up in environments that nurture their well-being, dignity, and development.
“These advancements reflect a collective commitment to building a brighter future for children. However, challenges remain, and many children still face barriers that hinder their full potential including poverty and violence, and inequalities continue to exist, leaving some children at risk of being left behind. This anniversary, therefore, serves both as a celebration of how far we’ve come but also as a call to action for the work that lies ahead.
“Together, we must confront these challenges ensuring that all rights as stated in the Convention are upheld for every child in Guyana.”
One engaging activity of the day was a collaborative painting exercise that involved schoolchildren from various schools in Georgetown, symbolizing unity and their collective voice for protecting child rights.
The programme also featured a performance by Chaunté Eastman, a Child Rights Advocate, who delivered a soulful rendition of a song celebrating children’s resilience. Later, Daniella Mickle, a student, wowed attendees with a graceful dance recital, symbolizing hope and unity. A poem was also presented by Sophia Kerr, a representative of the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities, amplifying the voices of children with disabilities.
