Children Identify Issues For UN Meeting

Contact: Rose Marie Harris

Tuesday, September 11, 2001 – Ahead of a Special Session of the United Nations to address children’s issues, a cross-section of young Saint Lucians, ranging in age from 5 to 18, met on Monday to brainstorm and come up with issues they wish to be raised on their behalf at the New York conference.

Governor-General, Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy, who will join other world leaders at the  September 19-21 meeting, as well as persons involved in child and youth development programmes in Saint Lucia, were on hand to listen to the children as they identified the issues which matter most to them.

The Special UN Session is expected to adopt a comprehensive 10-year Plan of Action outlining conditions that are necessary for children to get the best possible start in life and develop their abilities and talents in a safe and supportive environment to assume meaningful roles as adults. Child exploitation and abuse, education, and health, including the serious threat posed by HIV/AIDS,  are among issues expected to come up during the debate.

The Governor-General, who will address the UN Special Session on September 21, invited the young people to shape the content of her presentation. She explained the purpose of the New York conference: “(World) leaders are calling on all children to let them know what are the issues that affect them most; what they think can be done about these issues and what are the things that would help them enjoy their childhood. For this is what the goal is: to build a world in which all girls and boys can enjoy childhood – a time of play and learning in which you are loved, respected and cherished and in which you can develop in health, peace and dignity. 

She added: “This is why you are gathered here today.  To speak to us, so that we can convey your feelings, your ideas, your worries, your hopes and your dreams to the world leaders meeting at the Special Session for Children from September 19 to 21.”

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