This Children's Day 2006, Think Centre reminds the government to do more for our children beyond giving education grants and tweaking the regimented education system.
International Children's Day Message 2006: Do Not "Neglect" the children!
Every child has the right to be cared for by his or her own parents. Families needing support to care for their children should receive it. The government should help the families and strengthen them against abuse and exploitation, develop social policies which support struggling families, make child care and psycho-social support services available to all families.
Building a Singapore that is fit for children requires the involvement of every individual and every civil society organisation sharing the values of universal human rights especially respect for children's rights.
TC calls on the government to respect and fully implement the following tenets of the U.N Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC):
- Both parents share responsibility for bringing up their children, and should always consider what is best for each child. Governments should help parents by providing services to support them, especially if both parents work.
- Children who have been neglected or abused should receive special help to restore their self-respect.
This Children's Day 2006, TC reminds the government to do more for our children beyond giving education grants and tweaking the regimented education system. If this global city were to be home to our young, then the needs of the voiceless young must be taken seriously.
We wish all children and parents Happy Children's Day!
Background Notes:
In 2001, there were more then 300 suicides deaths including 5 children below 15 years old and 37 young persons between the age of 15 to 25. Children have no one to talk to at home. In April 2002, the Straits Times reported, "Last year, about 14,000 children were seen by psychiatrists at the Institute of Mental Health, of which 2,233 were new cases.... these figures have stayed relatively consistent over the last five years."
Many parents are stressed with long working hours, with no minimum living wage and suffer from job insecurity. The Singapore labour law permits 12 hours work but does not provide for minimum wage nor is there protection against various discriminations at work.
Commemorating the International Children's Day
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed Universal Children's Day in 1954, as a time to promote friendship and understanding among children. The United Nations initiated the Children's Day to draw attention to the dangers children face, including neglect.
Singapore celebrates Children's Day on October 1. The UN General Assembly recommended in 1954 (resolution 836(IX)) that all countries institute a Universal Children's Day, to be observed on 20 November. The date of 20 November marks the day in which the Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, in 1959, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, in 1989.
Sources and Relevant Links:
Think Centre Children Day Message 2005: Children in a land of opportunities 30 September 2005
UNICEF CHILDREN'S RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES 03 October 2006
UNHCHR Rights of the Child: Valuing Children, Respecting Children 24 September 2005
Think Centre Celebrating International Children's Day: Let our Children enjoy their Childhood 01 October 2004
Think Centre Do We Respect Our Children's Rights? 29 September 2003
Think Centre Children's Rights: Equal Rights and Equal Opportunities? 26 September 2003
SingaporeMedia Student Stress & Suicides 17 September 2003
Think Centre Discrimination in Education 23 February 2002
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Convention against Discrimination in Education 23 February 2002
United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights 06 June 2001
