Do Good Jamaica, UNICEF, Gleaner to 'Get it right for children's rights'

Tomorrow, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the eve of Universal Children's Day, Do Good Jamaica, in collaboration with UNICEF Jamaica and The Gleaner Company, will host a Twitter chat under the theme 'Getting it Right for Jamaican Children's Rights'.

The chat will seek to engage a broad cross section of stakeholders - inside and outside of Jamaica - on issues related to the current state of children's rights and what more can be done.

November 20 each year, recognised as Universal Children's Day, marks the day on which the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, in 1959, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, in 1989.

The Convention articulates the survival, development, protection, and participation rights of children. Universal Children's Day is a day of activity devoted to promoting the ideals and objectives of the Convention and the welfare of the children of the world.

In 1991, Jamaica ratified the Convention and, therefore, as a signatory, made a commitment - in various laws and even the Charter of Rights - to respect, protect, and fulfil children's rights.

As Jamaica is also observing Parent Month and Youth Month in November, the founder of Do Good Jamaica, Deika Morrison, said: "Today, in our nation, it is clear that we must do more to increase awareness of children's rights and to advocate for more deliberate action."

The children's rights campaign has been featured on the Crayons Count Saturday Gleaner page since the last Saturday in October.

The Gleaner has supported Do Good Jamaica's early-childhood campaign, Crayons Count, by publishing curriculum-appropriate content every Saturday since February 2012.

As such, the page is ideally suited to help reach the early childhood age group, their parents, and teachers.

Throughout November, the Crayons Count Saturday Gleaner page will use creativity to help raise awareness among and on behalf of those who have not yet developed the skills to speak up for themselves.

FOR ALL CHILDREN

But this campaign is not just for the early childhood age group. Article 1 of the Convention specifically states that all the rights outlined in the Convention are for all children, defined as any person under the age of 18 years old. As such, Do Good Jamaica has embarked on a digital awareness campaign using its blog and social media accounts.

Commenting on the Twitter chat collaboration, Allison Hickling, UNICEF Jamaica communication specialist, said: "Across the island, many people share the same concerns about the care and welfare of our children. Having conversations like this creates a common space where people can share their opinions, experiences, and ideas, with the understanding that every child in Jamaica has a set of rights that should be fulfilled and protected."

Gleaner Online Brand Manager Terri-Karelle Reid explained the company's interest in the effort beyond the Saturday Gleaner page.

"What is happening with the nation's children is extremely topical and highlights the need for increased awareness of children's rights to promote action. It is our duty to use our influential social media platform to encourage and drive this national conversation in the best interests of our children."

• For more information or to get involved, join the conversation online with #dogood4children.