A+World+Fit+For+Children



In A World Fit For Children, released by the UN in 2002, the General Assembly proposed a plan to provide all children with educational success. One point that was made in the statement was that children have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence. Societies must eliminate all forms of violence against children. Physical violence exists in child abuse from anyone. Bullying is not to be tolerated. A child should never feel physically intimidated, if for no other reason that it is detrimental to their emotional and mental states. A child must be kept healthy, both in body and in spirit. A child with an empty belly cannot focus on schoolwork. A student who does not receive emotional support from those they rely on is less likely to have a desire to succeed. No human being, of any age, should ever be subjected to exploitation. A major component of a child's educational success is equality and fairness in their curriculum. This fairness extends to their well-being. Exploitation exists sexually; in unfair, unhealthy, and/or dangerous labor; and even on a mental level - emotional stability is critical to a child's overall health and success. Another issue that is unfair to children that needs to be addressed is the effect of war on children. Children are used in violence - as human shields, bombs, soldiers - and have their whole lives overturned as a result of violence. Homes are lost, food and water is destroyed, families are broken, civil liberties are suspended... the list goes on and on. While some may consider World Peace to be a "pipe dream," the reality is that for all children worldwide to realize their full potential, they need to be provided with a safe, equitable learning environment regardless of race, social status, gender, religion, etc. Every person in the world deserves the opportunity to advance.