Sulaymaniyah Hosts International Conference on Children's Rights and Future

PUKMEDIA

Sulaymaniyah Conference Calls for Greater Protection and Empowerment of Children and Youth.

The city of Sulaymaniyah hosted an international scientific conference on children and young people, organised by the Kurdistan Save the Children in cooperation with the University of Sulaymaniyah. The conference brought together international experts, academics, activists and children’s rights advocates to address the challenges facing younger generations, discuss ways of protecting their rights and explore approaches to securing a safer future for them.

The event featured a series of panel discussions with academic, social and international figures, focusing on the importance of involving children and young people in decisions that shape their future. Discussions also highlighted the need to create a safe environment that protects their rights, provides access to education and encourages their active participation in society.

Speaking at one of the sessions, Ms Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed stressed that safeguarding children’s rights should not be limited to government decisions or political commitments, but must be regarded as a shared responsibility requiring the collective efforts of institutions and individuals. She emphasised the importance of creating the right conditions for younger generations to grow up safely, protecting them from the consequences of crises and wars, and ensuring that qualified individuals are entrusted with government positions and responsibilities.

Princess Basma bint Talal, Honorary Human Development Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), highlighted the importance of joint efforts to establish a safe environment for children and young people. She also stressed the need to strengthen their role in shaping their own future and empower them to make decisions with confidence.

Meanwhile, Sara Latif Rashid, Head of the Kurdistan Save the Children, underlined the importance of listening to children’s demands and views, stressing that decisions affecting their lives and futures should be informed by scientific research.

A special session was also held with the participation of children and young people of different age groups, entitled “Our Future, Our Message: Children Set the Rules That Concern Them”. Participants shared their visions and aspirations, highlighting the importance of respecting children’s rights, involving them in decisions that affect their lives, protecting them from violence and ensuring greater attention is paid to the environments in which they grow up.


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