International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression Commemorated by IIMSAM Middle East Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) June 3, 2011 --

Observing the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression Dr. Naseer Homoud, Goodwill Ambassador and Director of Middle East office for the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), the Intergovernmental Observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council said “this day affirms the UN's commitment to protect the rights of children as it acknowledges the pain suffered by children who are victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse. The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression celebrates the millions of individuals and organizations working to protect and preserve the rights of children all across the globe”. He further mentioned “child abuse is now in the spotlight of global attention and it is appreciative to see that the UN is working hard to help protect children around the world. Today we are observing this day, to acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental, and emotional abuse and our commitment to protect the rights of children all across the globe”.

The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression celebrates the millions of individuals and organisations working to protect and preserve the rights of children. It is a time for people all over the world to become aware of the impact of monstrosity of abuse, in all its forms, against children. It is also a time when organisations and individuals learn from or take part in awareness campaigns centred on protecting children’s rights.

He pleaded “today let us pledge to take at least one positive action to improve the lives of all children and to bring a smile of joy and hope on their lips. If our children are brought up in the atmosphere of abuse and violence they will choose the same when they grow-up; but, if they are brought up in the sphere of love, compassion and brotherhood they shall choose to be loving, kind and forgiving towards future generations. On this occasion IIMSAM Middle East Office calls for increased efforts to end torture against children”. He went on to say “on eve of this day IIMSAM reminds states to take all necessary measures to protect our most vulnerable citizens from torture, ill-treatment and other forms of violence, in order to ensure that human rights also are children’s rights”.

“While considerable progress has been achieved in the past few years in obtaining a framework of international norms and commitments that protect the rights and wellbeing of children, the general situation for children remains grave and unacceptable”, he said. Dr. Homoud further maintained that accomplishments of United Nations Millennium Development Goals are directory linked with welfare of children. “Working with children and young people to participate effectively in the development of their communities and the realization of their rights contributes directly and indirectly to the achievement of the MDGs. Ensuring that plea of children are listened to and heard by decision makers at the local, district, national and global levels is critical in identifying and addressing the hidden power dynamics and the underlying issues that slow the achievement of the MDGs”. He asserted that a child rights approach should be central to all programs and funding that are addressing the MDGs, since the MDGs are interrelated with children’s rights to survival, development, participation and protection. “The principles of non-discrimination and the best interest of the child should be paramount in all decisions taken related to the MDGs”, he added.

Addressing the gathering to mark this day the Goodwill Ambassadors stated “in situations of war and other strife in the world, it is always children that suffer the most. They are orphaned due to parents being killed in wars, they become refugees due to homes and properties being destroyed, they are denied the right to an education and a decent life, and are even forcibly recruited to fight in wars and kill other people. Children fall victim to abuse and ill-treatment even outside war situations. They are exploited as labourers, forced into domestic work, deprived of an education, forced to work in family ventures such as farms, and denied nutrition and health care”.

Dr. Naseer Homoud     IIMSAM     qatar