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RIGHTS OF THE CHILD |  |
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on the Occasion of the 56th Commission on Human Rights Item 13: Rights of the Child> United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland 11 April 2000
It is often observed, that in
developing countries where there is poverty, inadequate provision for education,
health and clean water, children’s faces still beam with radiant smiles and sparkling eyes.
They may be totally unaware of their rights yet they possess perhaps the most important
right of all, as stated in the preamble to the Convention on the Rights of the Child – “that
for the full and harmonious development of his or her personality, he should grow up in
a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love, and understanding.” These
children lead a simple life where family values are very much alive and where deep
respect still exists between parents and children.
Yet, in contrast, in more affluent societies, where rights are guaranteed by law,
children don’t seem to smile so much and are often discontented, even aggressive.
They often lack respect for each other and for adults, and may be undisciplined,
demanding, hyperactive, and suffer from various types of addiction. In society in
general today we are witnessing the progressive breakdown of the family unit and
with it the lack of family values, so that children feel unloved, and unsupported
and turn to other sources of satisfaction and stimulation. Once children have developed
negative habits, they are difficult to remove, and may be carried on into adulthood,
and then transmitted to the next generation. It is essential to break this vicious cycle.
The role of the family unit is vital in fostering the all-round development of the child.
Every support possible should be given by governments, the UN and non-governmental
organizations to encourage and protect family life.
Children are largely dependent on adults not only for material needs but for moral
and spiritual guidance. A child is influenced by and copies not only other children
but also the adults that surround him or her, whether it be in the family, at school,
in the community or even via television, the internet and the media in general. What
sort of messages are they receiving about how to lead their lives? Every one of us
therefore has the responsibility to set an example for the children of our world,
to be a good role model. We need to demonstrate a lifestyle of simplicity, free
from addiction, based on universal values that promote contentment, dignity and
a sense of purpose.
The year 2000 has been declared the International Year for the Culture of Peace by
the United Nations General Assembly. UNESCO is playing a major role in its implementation.
Manifesto 2000 is a key part of UNESCO’s promotion of the Culture of Peace. The Manifesto
is a pledge to abide by 6 universal principles. They are:
Education is one of the most powerful tools that we possess for bringing about positive
change in society. The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University since it was founded
in 1937 has provided an education for the development of the human individual through
the emergence of innate divine qualities, recognising that the original state of each
human being is one of goodness. “Living Values: an Educational Programme” is a partnership
among educators around the world, supported by UNESCO and sponsored by the Spanish National
Committee of UNICEF, Planet Society and the Brahma Kumaris. The programme, now established
in over 70 countries, is based on the understanding that children are naturally curious,
eager to learn, and have many beautiful qualities. They are creative, caring, and can think
for themselves. It is essential that as adults we accept our responsibility to provide a
values-based environment which encourages creativity, self-reliance and self-esteem for
our children.
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©2004 BKWSU |
