Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary REX Gatchalian expressed his solidarity with the cause of safeguarding children’s rights at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Dialogue on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
During the inaugural session held at the Manila Diamond Residences in Makati City on Thursday (June 22), Secretary Gatchalian urged ASEAN member states to join forces in enhancing the promotion and protection of child rights within the region.
“As future leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure that children can flourish in a secure, nurturing, and inclusive environment, enabling them to freely engage and fulfill their potential,” stated Secretary Gatchalian.
Emphasizing the significance of the dialogue, the DSWD chief highlighted its role in providing a regional platform for collaborative discussions on strengthening the realization of children’s rights.
“This dialogue is a pivotal event for sharing best practices and identifying new areas for cross-sector collaboration to enhance regional unity and cooperation within ASEAN,” Secretary Gatchalian emphasized.
Through this dialogue, ASEAN countries aim to address the recommendations and observations put forth by the Child Rights Coalition (CRC) Asia regarding the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which stands as the most widely ratified human rights treaty worldwide.
The conference will address various concerns, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the digital environment, climate change and environmental issues, gender and disability inclusivity, cultural considerations, the right to health, human trafficking, transnational crimes, and literacy.
