Dhaka – To celebrate the launch of the revised EU Guidelines on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of the Child, the European External Action Service is partnering with Plan International to organise a global youth takeover of EU Delegation social media accounts.Throughout April, young people across Africa, Asia and the Americas will share their views on the challenges children in their country face, and what more needs to be done to ensure every child’s rights are realized, directly from the Twitter and Facebook accounts of participating EU Delegations.
In Bangladesh, the Youth Takeover has taken place on 20th April 2017, from 10:00 am onwards.
The revised Guidelines set the EU’s overarching strategy to defend and promote children’s rights in the world. They set out the actions that EU officials should take, and outline the principles underpinning EU action, the priorities for EU engagement and the tools which can be used.
The total population of Bangladesh consists of 50% of youth of which 40% are children. Therefore to develop Bangladesh as a nation it is very important to hear the voice and children. Youth and children are the future of our country, and if they are not provided what they deserve then it becomes difficult for Bangladesh to prosper. Therefore I believe it’s important that children and young people’s voice and views are heard. (Jahir Rayan, 18, Participant of the EUD Youth Takeover)
I believe this is a great platform for young individuals like myself not only to learn but also to share my own perspective. This will surely inspire other young individuals to work for the betterment of the youth and children in Bangladesh. Furthermore EU’s technique in promoting children’s right by mean of Youth Takeover via social media is very innovative and will definitely be impactful among the youth. (Renaissance, 18 Participant of the EUD Youth Takeover)
“The EU Guidelines for the Rights of the Child (2017) aim at promoting and protecting equally all the rights that children, especially the most marginalized children have in order to ensure that no child is left behind. Through this “Social media takeover,” we got the opportunity to hear the viewpoints of two young Bangladeshis on child marriage. We also discussed impediments that school-going girls face in this country. I am happy to learn that today they conducted live sessions on our Facebook to generate opinion and awareness about issues affecting girls in Bangladesh. We hope all those who have consulted our Facebook today will find in their remarks a source of inspiration” said Ambassador Pierre Mayaudon, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh.
“Plan International is fully committed to promoting the realisation of all children’s rights, so that every child is able to learn, lead, decide and thrive. We aim to fulfil the promise of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and strive for a just world that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. In Bangladesh, 26 million children live below the national poverty line, while 52% of girls are married before the age of 18 – one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world. Children and young people are often denied basic rights such as education, protection and participation, and are unable to live the life they choose. If we are to ensure that all children’s rights are promoted and protected, all elements of the system must be in place and properly functioning. Children and young people themselves have an important role to play in championing their rights, but their voices are often ignored. Initiatives such as this Youth takeover campaign help to raise awareness and provide a platform for young people to express their views on the issues which matter to and affect them,” Orla Murphy, Country Director, Plan International Bangladesh. – EU Press release
