The number of children who die before their fifth birthday largely due to preventable causes has dropped significantly by at least sixty percent over the last 30 years.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report the infant mortality rates came down to at least five million deaths by the year 2018, compared to more than 12.5 million in 1990.
UNICEF Representative in Kenya Maniza Zaman said however said the drop in mortality rates was not good enough in low and middle income countries, where children from the poorest households are still twice more likely to die from preventable causes than children from the richest households.
Zaman said that UNICEF is calling for a renewed focus on ensuring the full range of children rights in Kenya through ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Child (CRC) optional protocol, which addresses sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography
“Children are organizing themselves, raising issues impacting their lives, communities and the future and they are starting to put solutions on the table, it’s time for the rest of us to listen to children and act boldly in support of their tights,” she said.
According to The Convention on the Right of the Child at a Crossroads a new report released Wednesday by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) little progress for the poorest children has been made despite the historic gains globally and in Kenya.
Speaking during the UN Convention on the Rights of Child (CRC) 30th anniversary celebrations, Nairobi County Women Representative Esther Passaris said that children from community based schools miss out on government resources as most of it is directed to children in public schools.
“Without resources we cannot champion any course we want for the rights of a child and every child wants to be recognized, their rights heard and protected by the government,” said Passaris.
West Pokot County Child Ambassador Moses Kibet urged the government to implement the constitution, create special courts for children and create a child system where they can report child abuse cases.
“Every child has a right to protection, the government should protect children from online sexual exploitation and ensure children with disabilities are taken care of,” said Kibet.
He added that in line with the right to participation, children should be allowed to participate in national development projects.
The report notes that the guiding principle of the CRC including non-discrimination, the right to life and right to protection have influenced numerous constitutions, laws, policies and practices globally.
By Rosebell Njega
