International Children’s Day celebrated nationwide
International Children’s Day was celebrated nationwide on 20 November under the theme “Renew our Commitment to Sustainable Development of Children”.
Asmara, 20 November 2018 – International Children’s Day was celebrated nationwide on 20 November under the theme “Renew our Commitment to Sustainable Development of Children”.
The celebration, held at Deb’at Community Hall in Asmara, was attended by Ms. Luul Gebreab, Minister of Labor and Social Welfare, Government officials, the UNICEF representative in Eritrea, and other distinguished guests.
In a speech he delivered, Mr. Mihreteab Fessehaye, Director General of Human Welfare at the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, called on the public to nurture the youth and bequeath to them the nation’s rich culture. International Children’s Day reminds teachers and parents to integrate their efforts for the development of children, he added.
Mr. Mihreteab further stated that the Government of Eritrea is working to promote and celebrate children’s rights and safety and he noted that the first international convention ratified by the Government of Eritrea was the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, showing the priority it accords to the welfare of its youngest citizens.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Pierre Ngom, UNICEF representative in Eritrea, stated that strong efforts are being exerted to enhance the awareness of the people of Eritrea on child rights. He also went on to commend the Government of Eritrea for the efforts it is taking to build a better world for children including vaccination programs to ensure child health and safety, efforts to ensure that every child is in school, monetary and material support to disadvantaged children, and efforts to eradicate harmful practices and underage marriage.
The International Children’s Day celebrations were highlighted by children’s songs and artistic performances.
International Children’s Day is being celebrated for the 27th time nationwide and 60th time worldwide.