Dear children and young people,
On behalf of ChildFund I am writing to express best wishes for Universal Children’s Day, that will be celebrated globally on November 20th.
This is a day that reminds people of the world —children and adults— of the importance of the human rights of children as set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). For ChildFund staff, partners and supporters, the CRC is of the greatest importance because it sets out the ideals that we want to see realised for every child’s rights to survive, develop, to be protected and to participate in decisions.
Universal Children’s Day is also a time for adults, organisations and governments to remember their responsibilities to care for and respect children, and to re-commit to meeting these obligations as duty-bearers. There is much to be done in all countries around the globe to ensure that every child has their rights respected and upheld.
This special day also provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the joy, promise and the many contributions that children bring to the daily lives of families, communities and societies. Thank you for the many ways that you enrich our lives!
Wherever you are at home, at school, in your village, community or neighbourhood I sincerely hope that you will enjoy Universal Children’s Day and the days and weeks ahead in safety and in good health, with family, friends and others who show care and respect for children.
Yours sincerely,
Nigel Spence
Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Tanya Plibersek today announced that a Labor government would increase Australia’s aid budget by $30 million, with the increased funding supporting poverty alleviation programs delivered by Australian aid agencies.
CEO of ChildFund Australia Nigel Spence said: “Ms Plibersek’s comments are extremely welcome, as they demonstrate a commitment to rebuilding the Australian Aid program, which has suffered from a series of devastating cuts in recent years.
“Ms Plibersek has also highlighted the effective and valuable role that organisations such as ChildFund play at a grassroots level, delivering real improvements for children and families in the areas of education, child and maternal health, and water and sanitation.”
While Ms Plibersek stated that it was not possible to repair the aid program to former levels immediately, she will seek to enshrine in legislation the primary objective of Australia’s aid program: poverty reduction. She also stated that Labor would introduce new accountability measures.
“Equally welcome to the increase in funding is the focus on ensuring greater transparency of Australia’s aid program. This is absolutely vital,” said Mr Spence.
Aid agencies are currently calling on the Coalition Government to reconsider its fourth consecutive cut to the aid budget, planned for December as part of the Mid-Year Economic Forecast. This will reduce Australia’s aid program to its lowest historical level.
Mr Spence added: “We have been heartened to see Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull appoint Steve Ciobo to the new portfolio of International Development and the Pacific.
“Hopefully, this will translate to a renewed focus on the important role that Australia’s aid program plays in promoting prosperity, reducing poverty, lifting standards of living and enhancing stability in our region.”
