June 11, National Children’s Day: the “Zanmi Timoun” Foundation calls for the protection of all children

The second (2nd) Sunday of June has been designated National Children’s Day in Haiti since 1960. On this occasion, the “Zanmi Timoun” Foundation wants to recall the importance of protecting and promoting the rights of children in the country. Despite the many challenges that stand in their way, Haitian children have the right to grow up and live in security, to receive quality education in order to participate in the development of the country. However, the reality is different. The rights of vulnerable children are constantly violated. In particular, children in street situations, children in domestic service, working children, children with reduced mobility and those living with HIV/AIDS are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, violence, abuse and neglect.

The state and civil society organizations must work together to provide quality social services to all children without exception. In addition, poverty, malnutrition, diseases, lack of quality education, leisure and violence are all problems facing children in Haiti. The situation of children in Haiti, on this day of June 11, 2023, is very worrying and requires urgent action to protect the rights of children and guarantee their well-being.
Respect for children’s rights in Haiti depends largely on the capacity of the State to assume its responsibilities and take concrete measures to improve the socio-political situation in the country. It is therefore necessary to put in place effective public policies and programs to protect the rights of children. The Haitian government must pay more attention to issues relating to children and invest in social protection programs such as education, health, leisure, and put everything in place to guarantee their security.

On this occasion which marks National Children’s Day, the “Zanmi Timoun” Foundation also urges the Haitian authorities to honor their commitments to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, particularly in terms of protection against violence, abuse and exploitation. Together, to offer Haitian children a better life, full of hope and possibilities.

Port-au-Prince, June 11, 2023

Claiff REFUSES
Head of Legal Affairs
+5093484 5440