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'Say Yes for Children'
'Say Yes for Children' launched: President, PM, Khaleda sign Principal Action Points Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said a democratic society is a must for establishing the rights of the children and stressed the need for investing for building up a bright future for them. She was speaking at the launching of "Say Yes for Children" campaign at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban yesterday. Earlier she endorsed the campaign by putting her signature on a pledge form. UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh Shahida Azfar, high officials and eminent personalities were present at the launching and put their signature on the pledge forms. The Prime Minister, eminent personalities and children released balloons and peace doves. Over 1500 children launched the campaign. The programme started with singing of a song "I want to live, I want to grow" in Bangla by children. They made presentation on "Say Yes for Children" campaign and Global Movement for Children which spearheaded the campaign. They also presented ten imperatives for the campaign. The sprawling South Plaza of the Sangsad Bhaban wore a festive look as more than 1500 children, guardians, noted personalities gathered under a huge canopy there to launch the campaign in the morning. Sheikh Hasina said the overall development of children was not possible without democracy. She said the five fundamental needs must be ensured to children and stressed the need for properly utilising the genius of the children. She said our future prosperity depends on grooming up the children properly. Noted cultural personality Aly Zaker presented the programme. UNB adds: President Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed affirmed and signed the Ten Principal Action Points (PAP) to a campaign 'Say Yes for Children' launched yesterday in Bangladesh for safeguarding and promoting the rights of the child. A delegation of children, accompanied by UNICEF and BRAC officials, called on the President at Bangabhaban and approached him to approve and sign the PAP to the campaign. President Shahabuddin read the Principal Action Points one by one and approved them. He hoped that the action points "would receive total support from the people of all ranks with a view to promoting and safeguarding the rights of the children". Regional Director of Regional Office, South Asia, Nigel Fisher, Unicef Representative in Bangladesh Shahida Azfar, BRAC Executive Director FH Abed and Advisor to the Unicef M Mujibul Haq were, among others, present on the occasion. Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Begum Khaleda Zia expressed her firm pledge to further strengthen united effort for progress and prosperity of children signing up commitment to "Say yes for Children," a UN drive launched here. Of the points of commitment for protecting rights of the child, Begum Zia gave preference to three imperatives out of ten of the campaign—take care for all children, education for all children and investment for children to alleviate poverty. The opposition leader signed the commitment letter pledging to continue investment of her time and efforts for realisation of the objectives of the drive. Replying to a question from a child, the former Prime Minister assured all cooperation for a bright future of the children in all respects saying: "You will run the country in the future." Source: The Independent 'Say
Yes for Children' OUR non-partisan launch of the global campaign 'Say Yes for Children' is a breath of fresh air. Bringing the cause of children to the forefront with public pledges being affirmed by the President, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, albeit separately, was in the right spirit. It would bode extremely well for this nation if a similar non-partisan approach could be instilled in the pursuit of other national causes. We wholeheartedly endorse the aims of this campaign, spearheaded by Unicef and assisted by BRAC, Save the Children, Plan International and our sister publication, Prothom Alo. The hopeful note struck at the launch of this campaign contrasts sharply with ground realities. That is why the need to live up to the 'yes' pledge in letter and spirit. Children are the most neglected members of the community, the most vulnerable to poverty, illiteracy, conflict and disease. Discriminatory conduct, torture and exploitation of children, especially of the girl child, have not been thwarted in any significant manner. Children are still subjected to human rights abuses, rape and physical assault and deprived of their right to education, safety and security both within their homes and in the outside world. Infant mortality and childhood disease continue to sap their healthy development, as do exposure to HIV AIDS, kidnapping and forced labour. Political strife and depressed economic conditions exact the heaviest price from the young, often rendered homeless or caught in the crossfire of civic unrest. Unless adults become worthy role models, the exhortation that children must always tell the truth and follow the advice of their elders would be hollow indeed. To bring about tangible improvements, we must act on the pledge that has been taken. We sincerely hope that the high aims of this noteworthy campaign will filter into the psyche of our nation and serve to bring about enduring changes in the circumstances of our next and new generations. Source: The Daily Star (29-4-2001)
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