DIRECTOR OF THE CHILDREN'S COMMITTE

Children are the citizens of Cambodian today, and tomorrow. Children make up around one third of the Cambodia population. Your attendance and support today at this, the first Children's Right shows that they are important.
Today I will outline that children and the future are interconnected. We cannot think of one without the other. We are not just talking of a future for 'them'. But a future for us all. I will outline the positive role children can play and our duty to protect them. Children must be at the forefront of our minds when we make discussion on policy. Considered from the start. Not just affected by the consequences of our decisions. They must be fully involved. Their views are valid. Indeed I will experience this first hand letter today when I am interviewed by two children from the CWC network.

In previous generations children were not distinguished from adults. During visiting provincial children, I was questioned by two children in that commune base. They asked me how Children’s Committee was established and why Children’s Committee was established. I told them: Children's Committee is a non-governmental organization which was established on September 20, 1995 through an election of children at all levels in different provinces at a workshop on the right of children which was administered by Egos Committee for Children's rights.

CC has selected four children to lead projects to promote the rights of children and educational programme and vocational training. All project leaders are volunteers between the ages of 13 and 18 years and the management committee are over 18 years and CC operates as a non profit NGO. CC provides assistance and support to all children regardless of any political affiliation and completely without prejudice. Children’s Committee set up the Club Activities named: “Child Watch Club” (CWC). CWC aims to train and strengthen the children rights and children participation in order to sharp the knowledge of communities’ children related to children rights and aware of children issues throughout Cambodia as well worldwide.

Well my concern is not for children as the future workforce. But rather the need to value our children. This extends back to before the child is born. To creating positive conditions. These conditions are a factor in enabling us to then think what we can do for (and with) children and young people. As an example the children who is currently working in the worst form condition as working the brick factory, salty field, rubber farm, and children labour in the Cambodia-Thai Border.

We must be concerned with ALL children without distinction or category. Of course certain children require particular actions. But our approach is universal. That is why we talk today of the rights of the child without listing particular categories. This runs the risk of forgetting or undermining the importance of some.
Moreover we must consider children positively. So far our efforts to protect children have been frequently reactive. We must take a comprehensive approach. Take action to provide positive opportunities in health, education, family life. And make them a key part of all the CC’s external relations and development work.

In conclusion, in the name of Children’s Committee, I would kindly like to express my warm appreciation as well management committee of Children’s Committee to all generous donors, NGO’s partner, authorities, local and international companies who are always support us in the form of financial assistance and technical supports. We found that your priceless paying attention on us have been pushed child rights sustainable adhere with UNCRC and bring the children from illiteracy.

SO Kunthy

DIRECTOR

CHILDREN'S COMMITTEE