UNICEF commemorates World Children’s Day

KABUL (Pajhwok): Several media outlets, including Pajhwok Afghan News, are giving children the opportunity to take over segments of their programming today (Monday), UNICEF said.

Participating TV and radio stations include RTA, TV24, Shamshad, Tolo, BBC and Radio Free Europe. Pajhwok and the Killid media group are also taking part, according to a statement from the UN agency.

UNICEF commemorated World Children’s Day, which marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Afghanistan ratified this human right document in 1994.

Children around the globe are taking over key roles in media, politics, business, sports and entertainment to give themselves their own platform to help save children’s lives, fight for their rights and fulfill their potential.

UNICEF Representative Adele Khodr said: “It’s a fun day with a serious point. Here in Afghanistan it is very important to give children a voice because they are a very big part of this country’s young society.

“However, girls and boys in Afghanistan are largely invisible as citizens and we need to give them the chance to speak up. Today is a day for children to ‘take over’ and speak with their own voices. And we must listen.”

According to the statement, child-led activities will take place in various areas of the country to discuss issues affecting Afghan children so that they could share their views and ideas with government, community leaders, development partners and members of the UN Country Team.

At a UNICEF-supported ‘Activate Talk’ in Kabul, adolescents from different backgrounds are to take over a panel discussion to showcase their innovations and achievements in music, art, business and academics.

pr/mud