Philippines environmental group, BAN Toxics, in partnership with Dr Yanga Colleges Inc. (DYCI) and the Diocese of Malolos, has launched the Children’s rights for a Safe and Healthy Environment campaign in Bocaue, Bulacan, the Philippines, as part of their advocacy to promote child rights and sound chemicals and wastes management.
This came as students, parents, and teachers gathered for their annual drive to promote a safe and healthy environment for the children in time for the celebration of National Children’s Month and National Environmental Week in the area.
In the Philippines, National Children’s Month is celebrated in November of every year to commemorate the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) on November 20, 1989, where UNCRC seeks to promote the protection of children’s rights while the whole is also declared as “Environmental Awareness Month.”
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According to the Executive Director of BAN Toxics, Reynaldo San Juan Jr., the group supports the global movement aimed at promoting children’s rights and environmental awareness in every school, home and community, hence the need to promote and nurture an environment that is safe for every child.
To promote the campaign, the group spearheaded a hybrid webinar among students, parents, and teachers on children’s rights and the importance of environmental awareness among the young generation while also reiterating the 12 rights of the child as stated in the Presidential Decree 603 0f 1974, one that includes the right of every child to be born well, have access to education, live in a productive environment, among others.
“Every child has the right to the best possible health. Governments must provide good quality health care, clean water, nutritious food, a clean environment, and proper education on health and well-being so that our children can stay healthy. Providing them with a safe and healthy environment for their future is their right and our shared responsibility,” BAN Toxics added.
Story was adapted from EnvironNewsNigeria.
