Delhi's meeting on the declaration of Child Rights in Asia

The Second High Level Meeting (HLM) on South-South Cooperation for Child Rights in Asia and the Pacific concluded on 25th October.

Delegates from 33 countries of the region discussed and shared the progress, experience, problems and challenges in the survival, protection, development and participation of nearly 1.2 billion children, in the region, who were also gathered in the meeting. The ‘New Delhi Declaration on South-South Cooperation for Child Rights in Asia and Pacific' was adopted on 25th October.

Speaking at the occasion Smt. Krishna Tirath, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Women and Child Development said, "Such high level meetings provide an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment towards child rights and recognising that child rights are fundamental to all cultures and societies and are crucial to children's growth and upbringing. It is also a reaffirmation of our belief that child survival, development, protection and participation are vital for the growth of the country."

Smt. Tirath said that although this meeting has focused on three crucial themes of adolescence, early childhood care and development and urban settings, we recognise that the rights of children are interrelated and interdependent, and each one of them is equally important and fundamental to the well-being and dignity of the child.

The application of child rights requires a multi-dimensional, integrated and inclusive approach for the overall and harmonious development and protection of children, she noted.

The Minister hope that this Second High Level Meeting in Delhi has provided everyone with new perspectives and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced in the field of child rights.

Speaking at the occasion Ms. Nita Chowdhury, Secretary, Ministry Of Women and Child Development said that the adoption of the Delhi Declaration has restated our commitment to the realisation of all rights of all children within our respective countries. Through the declaration, it has been reaffirmed that child rights are fundamental to all cultures and societies and are crucial to children's growth and upbringing.

She said, "Despite the great diversity represented by the 33 countries in Asia and the Pacific participating in the High Level Meeting, the people of the region share much in common, have strong mutual interests and have much to gain from closer co-operation, to share good practices and lessons learned in support of the realisation of child rights."

Present at the occasion were Mr Sharudin S. Kashim, Deputy Director General Planning, Government of Malaysia, delegates from 33 countries, officials from UNICEF and various other dignitaries.