DILI, 20 november 2024 (TATOLI) – As part of this year’s World Children’s Day commemorations, UNICEF and INDDICA, with support from Timor-Plaza, today organised a children’s photography exhibition, under the theme, “Listen to the future”.
Thirty-five photographs from 16 children aged 14 – 18 years, were displayed to demonstrate children’s thoughts about some of the progress of children’s rights in Timor-Leste, and to convey their concerns about some of issues which make it difficult for them to enjoy their rights. Through the exhibition, the children further made a call for adults in Government, in the community and at home to help address issues such as child labour and pollution.
The photographs were developed after a weeklong workshop, during which Professional photographer, Bernardino Soares, equipped the children with skills to use photography to actively raise awareness about children’s rights.
“The photographs which were exhibited show some of the boundless talents, imagination, and creativity which our children have. The photographs also serve as a reminder for stakeholders to look closely and urgently address the many obstacles which stand in the way of children enjoying basic rights such as the right to an education, the right to a clean and safe environment and the right to play and be a child,” said Patrizia DiGiovanni, UNICEF Representative.
Since 1989, World Children’s Day has been celebrated globally on 20 November to mark the anniversary of the day when world leaders adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. The day presents an opportunity to highlight critical issues affecting children’s lives and supports the engagement of children as advocates for their own rights.
To coincide this year’s commemorations, UNICEF released a global report on The State of the World’s Children 2024: The Future of Childhood in a Changing World, which details the major global forces impacting children’s lives, both now and in the future. These major global forces are the rapid demographic change, climate and environmental crises, and breakthrough technologies.
The report details that by 2050, these three global forces have significant positive and negative impacts on children and their lives. For example, the report says by 2050-2059, eight times as many children will be exposed to extreme heatwaves, three times as many to extreme river floods, and nearly twice as many to extreme wildfires, as compared to the 2000s.
The report underscores the importance of focusing on safeguarding child rights as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child through the following:
- Investing in education, services, and sustainable and resilient cities for children.
- Expanding climate resilience in infrastructure, technology, essential services, and social support systems.
- Delivering connectivity and safe technology design for all children.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
