STATEMENT BY MR RAMZI BABJEE, DELEGATE TO THE 70TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 68, ON THE PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN, THIRD COMMITTEE, 15 OCTOBER 2015
14 October 2015
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Thank you, Mr Chairman.
1 Singapore aligns itself with the statement made by Myanmar on behalf of ASEAN.
2 Over these three days, many delegations will speak about what they are doing to promote and protect the rights of children. We all want the same thing, that is, the very best for our children.
3 Allow me to deliver my remarks from a different perspective – that of the perspective of the child. It is important for all of us, young and old, to ask ourselves, “What do children want?”
4 Above all, children want to be free from fear and want to be free to pursue their dreams. They should not have to fear going hungry, falling sick, or worse, being in danger or fearing for their lives. They should be able to dream big dreams and be empowered to live their lives to their fullest potential.
5 Children should not have to fear hunger, illness or death. Singapore enjoys a high level of child health and has one of the lowest under-five mortality rates in the world. In Singapore, on top of all our financial assistance schemes for students from low-income households, the School Breakfast Programme provides coupons for them to use at the school canteen, so that they start each school day well-nourished. All our children are immunised, and undergo regular health and dental screenings in school. In addition, we recognise that health includes children’s mental well-being, and have dedicated counsellors in all schools, and teachers who are trained in counselling to support our students.
6 Children must not fear for their safety. Governments must ensure that public spaces for children for play and study are child-friendly and child-safe. In this regard, I am happy to note that Singapore topped the Gallup’s Global Law and Order Index 2015, which gauges people’s sense of personal security.
7 Children must be safe from all forms of discrimination whether due to race, religion, family background, or disability. In Singapore, children celebrate Racial Harmony Day, where they learn about the different races and cultures of their classmates and dress up in ethnic costumes. This allows them to see themselves as members of a diverse community, giving them a sense of belonging.
8 Children must be free to pursue their dreams. In Singapore, we have gone beyond ensuring that all children have access to primary education through our Compulsory Education Act, and are taking steps to improve the accessibility, affordability and quality of early childhood services, and early intervention programmes for children with special needs. No child will be left behind in this endeavour.
9 Singapore is further improving its education system to develop children holistically. We are equipping our children with skills, and building their values, character, and adaptive qualities to help them thrive in a world of uncertainty. These skills will help them seize opportunities, and be resilient in the face of challenges. This new approach requires a change of mindset, and partnerships with a range of stakeholders. Just last month, we announced a new initiative called Community of Pathfinders in Action, or COMPACT for short. It will bring together well-established individuals to help schools provide authentic learning experiences and cater to their students’ diverse strengths and interests.
Mr Chairman,
10 In conclusion, no child wants to be afraid. Children want to be happy, healthy, and loved. They want a future. We must provide the best home for our children, where the only thing they have to fear is fear itself. As Singapore celebrates the 20th anniversary of our accession to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, we reiterate our unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of our children.
Thank you.
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