RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
ORAL STATEMENT OF THE BRAHMA KUMARIS WORLD SPIRITUAL UNIVERSITY on the Occasion of the 56th Commission on Human Rights Item 13: Rights of the Child> United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland 11 April 2000 Mr. Chairman, It is 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 criteria are not only related to material wealth and facilities; indeed, we can observe that in many developing countries that there’s a richness within the culture and within family life that is not always evident in more affluent societies. Today we are witnessing the progressive breakdown of the family unit and with it the loss of family values that are vital in fostering the all-round development of the child. Children often feel unloved, and unsupported and turn to other sources of satisfaction and stimulation, leading to anti-social behaviour and addiction. Once children have developed such 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. 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 their material needs but for moral and spiritual guidance. Children are deeply influenced by the adults that surround them, whether it be in the family, at school, in the community or even via television and the internet. What sort of messages are they receiving about how to lead their lives? It is essential that as adults we accept our 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. Education is one of the most powerful tools that we possess for bringing about positive change in society. The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University works at all levels of society to provide an education that enables the individual to realise his or her unique human potential, and which cultivates the values of our common humanity. “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, operates within the framework of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It is designed not only for use in schools but also with parent groups, refugees and children affected by war. It is based on the understanding that children are naturally caring, creative, and eager to learn. They thrive within an environment which encourages creativity, self-reliance and respect. The Brahma Kumaris has also been designated, along with other NGOs, as “messenger for Manifesto 2000” by UNESCO. Manifesto 2000 is a key part of UNESCO’s promotion of the International Year for the Culture of Peace declared by the United Nations General Assembly. The Manifesto is a pledge to abide by 6 universal principles or values. Two of these principles are particularly relevant to the protection of children’s rights – firstly; to listen to understand – this is the greatest gift we can give to our children, - and secondly; to rediscover unity and solidarity – working together, pooling our material and human resources, becoming actively involved in projects such as these. In conclusion, if we all, adults and children, were to live by these principles, we would surely start to see the positive change in society that every one of us here is working towards. Thank you, Mr Chairman.