Dubai Cares today highlights the 26th Universal Children's Day by emphasizing education as a fundamental right for every child. The UAE-based global philanthropic organization is a long-term advocate of child rights, as it believes that education is instrumental in transforming the lives of vulnerable children in developing communities around the world.
Since the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1959, millions of children have benefited from the progress achieved. However, according to the United Nations Children's Fund's (UNICEF) "The State of the World's Children 2015" Report, in spite of the progress made across key areas such as child survival, education and access to clean water, too many children still confront the future with their needs unaddressed, their rights unrealized and their potential thwarted.
With the absence of concrete action to reach the most vulnerable children, it is estimated that by 2030, 68 million children under the age of five will die from mainly preventable causes, and 119 million children will remain chronically malnourished. Moreover, rough estimates predict that there are currently 19.5 million refugees displaced globally as a result of natural disasters, conflict and epidemics; at least 50 percent of them are children. Moreover, there are a staggering 37 million children and adolescents worldwide that have been forced out of education by war. Attacks on education have dramatically risen to their highest level in 40 years.
Commenting on the significance of this occasion, Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Cares said: "Today is a day of reflection on how well we – individuals, communities, businesses, governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), foundations and global entities – are protecting children's rights and wellbeing. Much of today's turmoil disproportionally impacts children as their future steadily marches towards uncertainty and instability. More than having hope, we must have resolve to ensure that children are protected from all violations and given the opportunity to live well and prosper. Dubai Cares has embraced the global challenge of children's right to quality education, and with the support of the UAE community, we have so far reached 14 million beneficiaries in 41 developing countries. This is our work, our mandate, their plight, our mission."
The Universal Children's Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly as a day of worldwide fraternity, dedicated to raising awareness of the welfare of children by promoting their undeniable rights to health and education.