The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) asserts that children ought to be safeguarded and not marginalized due to their race, ethnicity, faith, or language.
This was communicated in a statement issued on Saturday by UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell.
As per Russell, a recent publication revealing an increase in child discrimination globally was unveiled to commemorate World Children’s Day on November 20.
The document emphasizes the adverse impacts of bias against and exclusion of children from racial and ethnic minorities, including those with disabilities, alongside the deficiency in access to essential services like immunization, water and sanitation, and a fair legal system, among other factors.
She noted that marginalized children endure hardships in education, health, access to a documented birth, and a fair legal system, asserting that they do not achieve as much advancement as their counterparts in these domains.
“Systemic racism and discrimination place children in jeopardy of deprivation and exclusion that may persist throughout their lives,” she remarked.
“This affects us all. Safeguarding the rights of every child – irrespective of who they are or where they originate – is the most reliable method to cultivate a more peaceful, prosperous, and just world for all.”
The UNICEF director indicated that marginalized children possess inadequate reading abilities, while students from affluent groups are anticipated to have more basic reading skills by the ages of 7 to 14.
“Nigeria has 18.3 million children not enrolled in school, and a significant number of children attend schools but do not receive quality education that could translate into favorable opportunities for their futures,” she stated.
“Although this crisis impacts children throughout the nation, girls, children with disabilities, those from the most deprived households, street children, and those affected by displacement or emergencies are disproportionately affected.
“Discrimination and exclusion exacerbate intergenerational deprivation and poverty, leading to poorer health, nutrition, and educational outcomes for children, increased chances of incarceration, elevated pregnancy rates among adolescent girls, and diminished employment rates and earnings in adulthood.
“On World Children’s Day and every other day, every child has the right to be included, safeguarded, and afforded an equal opportunity to realize their full potential.
“Each of us possesses the ability to combat discrimination against children – in our nations, our communities, our schools, our homes, and within ourselves. We must utilize that power.”
