EU Presidency Introductory Statement - United Nations 3rd Committee: Rights of the Child

Mr. Chairperson,

On behalf of the European Union and GRULAC, I have the honor to introduce under agenda item 66 the draft resolution entitled "The Rights of the Child", contained in document A/C.3/60/L.24.

This is, Mr. Chairperson, a vital issue in the work of this Committee. 2007 marks the 18th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It marks the fifth anniversary of the entry into force of the two Optional Protocols to the CRC. It is also the year where we will hold a mid decade review of the UN Special Session on Children. It is, and we have already mentioned that, a year which gives us many reasons to celebrate. And yet we find that children are still growing up denied human rights and fundamental freedoms. The rights of the child are violated all over the globe. We clearly, therefore, have much more to do in highlighting the issues which prevent the full enjoyment of human rights by children, as well as finding the most adequate responses that States and, in support, the UN may take in guaranteeing those rights.

Mr. Chairperson,

The Convention on the Rights of the Child constitutes the reference to demonstrate our commitment to the protection and promotion of the rights of the child, a commitment we must all fulfill. This draft resolution continues to highlight the vital role of the Convention, its Optional Protocols and the United Nations mechanisms in the protection and promotion of human rights. It details the challenges that continue to face all States in ensuring the full enjoyment of child rights, namely in the areas of: registration and family relations, eradication of poverty, right to education, right to health, right to food, children living in difficult situations, child labor, children in armed conflict, child prostitution, child pornography and the sale of children.

This year, Mr. Chairperson, we have also used this resolution to highlight the urgency of eliminating violence against children. We also recommend that the Secretary-General appoints a Special Representative on of Violence Against Children that acts as a high profile and independent global advocate to promote the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against children, ensuring the involvement of key actors concerned, including children and young people, and in cooperation with Member States.

Mr. Chairperson, the sponsors look forward to working with all delegations on this text. And we hope that it will attract the support of all delegations as an indispensable package to promote the full realization of the rights of the child in the world.

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.

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• "Keep children out of the firing line" (12/2/2008)
• "Emerging issues of access to justice for vulnerable groups, in particular migrants, asylum seekers, and children" - Speech by EU Commission Vice President Franco Frattini (26/10/2007)
• EU Presidency Statement - United Nations 3rd Committee: Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Children (17/10/2007)
• European Forum on the Rights of the Child created to look to the future  (4/6/2007)
• EU Parliament hearing on Rights of Children (19/4/2007)