Discrimination against children affecting their rights to education and health — UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern about all forms of discrimination against children around the world, noting that this prevents them from reaching their full potential.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, in a statement on Universal Children's Day 2022, said discrimination against children based on ethnicity, language and religion is commonplace in countries around the world.
Ms Russell noted that discrimination and exclusion deepen intergenerational deprivation and poverty, which she says translates into poorer health, nutrition and learning outcomes for children.
p>She said it further leads to a higher likelihood of incarceration, higher rates of teenage pregnancy, and lower rates of employment and earnings in adulthood.
"Systemic racism and discrimination puts children at risk of deprivation and exclusion that can last a lifetime," she said.
Ms Russell explained that protecting the rights of every child, whoever they are, wherever they come from, is the surest way to build a more peaceful, prosperous and just world for all.< /p> Marginalized group
Ms Russell said a new report, 'Rights Denied: The Impact of Discrimination on Children' shows how racism and discrimination impact children's education and health.< /p>
She said it also impacts children's access to birth registration and a fair and just justice system, and highlights widespread disparities between minorities and ethnic groups.
>The new report finds that children from marginalized ethnic, linguistic and religious groups in an analysis of 22 countries lag far behind their peers in reading skills.
Ms Russell noted that, on average, students aged 7 to 14 in the most advantaged group are more than twice as likely to have basic reading skills as those in the least advantaged group.< /p>
"Nigeria has 18.3 million out-of-school children, and a large number of children attending school but lacking a solid education that can translate into good prospects for the future.< /p>
“As this crisis affects children across the country, girls, children with disabilities, children from the poorest households, street children and children affected by displacement or emergencies are more affected," she said.
World Children's Day was established in 1954 as Universal Children's Day and is celebrated on November 20 each year.
The day is marked to promote international solidarity and awareness among children around the world, and to improve the well-being of children.
READ ALSO: Minister accuses state governors of increasing the number of out-of-school childrenSince 1990, this day has also marked the anniversary of the date on which the United Nations General Assembly adopted both the Declaration and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
This year's theme: "Inclusion for Every Child" recognizes that every child has the fundamental right to education. It aspires to provide children with the tools they need for a better future and a more equitable and welcoming society.
Ms Russell said every child has the right to be included, to be protected and to have an equal opportunity to reach their full potential.
"We all have the power to fight discrimination against children...
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern about all forms of discrimination against children around the world, noting that this prevents them from reaching their full potential.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, in a statement on Universal Children's Day 2022, said discrimination against children based on ethnicity, language and religion is commonplace in countries around the world.
Ms Russell noted that discrimination and exclusion deepen intergenerational deprivation and poverty, which she says translates into poorer health, nutrition and learning outcomes for children.
p>She said it further leads to a higher likelihood of incarceration, higher rates of teenage pregnancy, and lower rates of employment and earnings in adulthood.
"Systemic racism and discrimination puts children at risk of deprivation and exclusion that can last a lifetime," she said.
Ms Russell explained that protecting the rights of every child, whoever they are, wherever they come from, is the surest way to build a more peaceful, prosperous and just world for all.< /p> Marginalized group
Ms Russell said a new report, 'Rights Denied: The Impact of Discrimination on Children' shows how racism and discrimination impact children's education and health.< /p>
She said it also impacts children's access to birth registration and a fair and just justice system, and highlights widespread disparities between minorities and ethnic groups.
>The new report finds that children from marginalized ethnic, linguistic and religious groups in an analysis of 22 countries lag far behind their peers in reading skills.
Ms Russell noted that, on average, students aged 7 to 14 in the most advantaged group are more than twice as likely to have basic reading skills as those in the least advantaged group.< /p>
"Nigeria has 18.3 million out-of-school children, and a large number of children attending school but lacking a solid education that can translate into good prospects for the future.< /p>
“As this crisis affects children across the country, girls, children with disabilities, children from the poorest households, street children and children affected by displacement or emergencies are more affected," she said.
World Children's Day was established in 1954 as Universal Children's Day and is celebrated on November 20 each year.
The day is marked to promote international solidarity and awareness among children around the world, and to improve the well-being of children.
READ ALSO: Minister accuses state governors of increasing the number of out-of-school childrenSince 1990, this day has also marked the anniversary of the date on which the United Nations General Assembly adopted both the Declaration and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
This year's theme: "Inclusion for Every Child" recognizes that every child has the fundamental right to education. It aspires to provide children with the tools they need for a better future and a more equitable and welcoming society.
Ms Russell said every child has the right to be included, to be protected and to have an equal opportunity to reach their full potential.
"We all have the power to fight discrimination against children...
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