Don't take children's rights for granted

BRUNEI cultural and family values centre very much on the integrity of the family unit and the creation of a nurturing environment for the development of children.

"This is why young Bruneians may find it difficult to fully appreciate the enormity of the predicament that faces millions of children around the world, every day," said Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah in her sabda at the opening ceremony of the 2010 International School Brunei (ISB) Borneo Global Issues Conference VIII (BGIC VIII) yesterday.

This year's theme: "The Rights of Children", is chosen in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the United Nation's Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The convention aims to give priority and special attention to protecting children's rights, which also represent a fundamental element in the UN Millennium Development Goals.

As patron of the conference, HRH stressed that all children should have access to "at the very least" a basic education and level of literacy, basic healthcare and nutrition, as well as a safe and secure environment in which to grow up.

"Sadly, as indicated by UN statistics, this is not the case for many children around the world, particularly those who live in areas that are torn by war, strife and poverty," HRH said, adding that children were the people most at risk in any environment where security and stability cannot be taken for granted.

"We are indeed blessed in Brunei Darussalam to have a social and community environment that is safe, secure and greatly supportive of the development of children," HRH said.

As of November 2009, 193 countries including Brunei have ratified or acceded to the UN convention, and in doing so, have agreed to be periodically examined on their progress with regards to the status of child rights.

HRH said this year's theme was of particular significance to youths, as it entreats upon them to focus upon the rights of children all over the world "at a time when this crucial issue is becoming an increasing cause for international concern".

She added that the conference also offered an opportunity to gain much insight into the plight of those less fortunate and to gain a greater sense of value for the importance of basic facilities, such as proper schooling and healthcare.

"We must instil in our younger generations, the importance to our nation of childhood development, and strengthen their understanding of the value of peace, security and stability," HRH said.

The global nature of the conference topics which include the impact of tourism in Borneo, improving the lives of millions of children living in slums; orphans and abandoned children; and access to education for all children in the world all reflect the current concerns of the world, she said.

HRH expressed hopes that the discussion will provide all participants with an invaluable learning experience and awareness of how Bruneians are part of a global community that must learn to work together and respect each other.

"The importance of mutual respect for one another and respect for the culture, traditions and customs of all races and indigenous groups is all the more relevant at this point in time, where world leaders face the stern challenge of achieving peaceful resolutions to a variety of conflicts in the midst of a severe global economic downturn," HRH said.

The topics are based on the UN Millennium Development Goals, with delegates representing individual country positions in terms of politics, environment, human rights and socio-economic issues.

HRH hoped that the conference would show the delegates that "although lasting solutions are rarely easy to achieve, they are indeed attainable, if the parties involved work together with sincerity, good faith, understanding, tolerance and mutual respect".

She added that delegates should continue to strive to ensure that the resolutions their committees produce are as realistic as possible, taking into account the latest real-world developments and challenges.

"I encourage all participants to make the most of the extensive knowledge and experience of the guest speakers, by being forthcoming with their thoughts and more vocally articulate as they seek to express and debate their own views and ideas," she added. The Brunei Times