UNICEF Emphasizes Children’s Safety and Protection at World Child Day Celebration
Children are the leaders of today, and their protection and safety should be integral to their development. This message was underscored by a representative from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) during the World Child Day celebration, hosted in partnership with World Vision Lesotho at the Phelisanong Center for Disabled in Pitseng, Leribe.
The celebration, held annually to mark World Child Day, was focused on the theme: “Listen to the future; investing in the future.” This theme highlights the vital role that children play in shaping the future and emphasizes the importance of nurturing and protecting them to unlock their full potential.
Mr. Deepak Bhaskaran, a UNICEF representative, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the central message of the theme. He explained that the future is embedded in children’s hands, and society must invest in their well-being, education, and safety to ensure that they can grow into the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. “The key to the future lies with our children,” Bhaskaran said, stressing that their potential can only be fully realized if they are protected and given the resources to thrive.
The celebration, which took place at the Phelisanong Center, was attended by community members, government officials, and representatives from various organizations working towards child welfare. The event served as a reminder of the responsibility to not only support children’s rights but also to ensure their safety and protection from harm.
Bhaskaran’s speech highlighted that creating a secure environment for children goes hand in hand with empowering them through education and skill development, thus preparing them to lead in a rapidly changing world. In Lesotho and globally, UNICEF and its partners continue to advocate for policies and programs that prioritize children’s rights, protection, and safety, particularly in vulnerable communities.
World Child Day serves as an annual occasion for UNICEF and other child-focused organizations to renew their commitment to children’s well-being and to remind communities of the importance of investing in children as they are the leaders of today and tomorrow.
