National Committee for Children’s Rights holds first meeting of 2019

WHEN the country stepped up efforts for children’s rights, it would give priority to least developed areas of the country, according to the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement.

“A federal democratic system promotes equality and fair and impartial opportunities. This means the underdeveloped Chin, Rakhine, Naga, Kayin, and Kayah are prioritized for social protection and the remaining states and regions will be receiving uniform development as well,” said Union Minister for SWRR Dr. Win Myat Aye at the meeting 1/2019 of the National Committee for Children’s Rights, held at his ministry yesterday.

Speaking in his capacity as the national committee’s chairman, the Union Minister first explained the Union government’s efforts to implement the 4 rights of children through forming a national committee that sets policies, master strategies and methods to achieve it. He said his ministry has sent the Child Rights Bill to the Hluttaw which is in the process of scrutinizing it to make it more relevant and will be enacted in the near future.

He continued to say that Myanmar is a member to the United Nations and has ratified numerous UN agreements and conventions. This includes being a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and as such, Myanmar is duty-bound to implement measures that ensure and protect the rights of children within its borders, said Dr. Win Myat Aye.

He said the first of the three aims laid by the Union Government is ensuring the rule of law and promoting socio-economic development which is related to implementing the rights of children. He said nurturing the young generation will ensure they grow up into valuable citizens that will carry the nation forward. He said implementing policies, laws, bylaws, and rules and regulations in that regard promotes the rule of law for children as well.

The Union Minister assured that the national committee will lead implementation of the rights of children when the new Children’s Rights Law is signed into law. He said developing the skills and capabilities of the nation’s human resource will drive up socioeconomic development which in turn will ensure free and secure development for the entire country.

Dr. Win Myat Aye said they can nurture children to be harmonious with society as progenitors to peace within the nation. He said affairs of children affected in armed conflicts is linked to the peace process and thus, must be treated as a major concern.

The Union Minister said his ministry proceeds with their work in accord with the democratic principles set by the nation and also adheres to the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan and UN Sustainable Development Goal.

Next, Deputy Minister U Soe Aung explained the tasks and reports to be submitted by UNCRC signatories, followed by the children’s rights committee chairmen from the Union Territory Nay Pyi Taw Council and states and regions, and ministers for social affairs presenting their respective processes for implementing children’s rights. Members of committee also discussed the implementation of children’s rights performed by relevant government departments and organizations and decided on future plans.

MNA

(Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)

Photo:MNA

Ref: The Global New Light of Myanmar