CRC Coalition Philippines conducted a viewing hub on the Day of General Discussion (DGD) 2018: Protecting and Empowering Children as Human Rights Defenders. It was attended by members, partners in child rights advocacy, and the Council for the Welfare of Children.
Hazelyn Joy Bitaña, Advocacy Coordinator of Child Rights Coalition Asia, shared the overview of DGD, the efforts done prior the DGD, as well as the need to talk about children as human rights defenders.
“Children are advocating for their rights, the rights of their peers, the rights of everyone. They are human rights defenders,” Bitaña said.
However, there are instances when children who are acting as human rights defenders are not recognized, empowered, and protected showing lack of special protection measures for children human rights defenders
Aena Zoraya Briones, Advocacy and Communications Officer of CRC Coalition Philippines, shared the inputs of children from the focus group discussions in contribution to the study “Views and Perspectives of Human Rights Defenders” lead by Child Rights Connect.
During the open forum, Magnolia Escobedo, Secretariat Coordinator of CRC Coalition Philippines, asked how civil societies can suggest in the next themes of DGD. Child Rights Connect can be a strategic partner to engage in raising possible themes. The DGD hub viewing can be regularly conducted by CRC Coalition Philippines to further raise awareness on the efforts checking the realities of child rights governance and protection to guide us in our work, for and with children.
Every day millions of children take action, campaign and influence laws, budgets, service delivery, and the realization of their other rights. Children are best placed to understand the challenges they face and must be able to stand up and speak about their rights. Let’s listen to our children.