World Children’s Day in Contramaestre, Cuba
Contrtamaestre, Nov. 20.- This English version of www.radiogritodebaire.icrt.cu has recently published a number of articles related to children’s activities in Contramaestre, developed in public places, apart from those they normally do at at school. They are a faithful representation of boys and girls enjoying the rights proclaimed by UN in the Declaration and Convention of Children’s rights.
Boys and girls in Contramaestre as along the whole Cuba celebrate the Universal Children’s Day today, 20th November. The goal of Universal Children’s day is to improve child welfare worldwide, promote and celebrate children’s rights and promote togetherness and awareness among all children.
And that is precisely what the Cuban State has done since 1959, when a revolutionary government came to power. Cuba’s Constitution recognizes the elemental rights of every child, regardless of sex, race, or social origin, and does not leave their protection to institutional goodwill or individual charity.
This special interest in educating and caring for the young is nothing new for Cubans. Who is not aware that the annual infant mortality rate here is among the lowest in the world? Who doesn’t know that education is universally available and free of charge.
This commitment goes beyond the national framework. Cuba has been a signatory to the United Nations Rights of the Child Convention since 1991, and its precepts have been codified in laws regarding the corruption of minors. The country also adheres to international agreements established to protect children and adolescents from trafficking, prostitution, their use in pornography, and sexual abuse.
It is no accident that the yearly celebration of International Children’s Day, on June 1, is followed by Cuba’s version on the third Sunday of the month. In both cases, being honored are those that a very wise man, José Martí, called “the hope of the world.”
Initially launched in 1954, Universal Children’s day has seen some milestone events in the field of child welfare. Marking the anniversary of the dates when the UN General assembly adopted both the declaration and convention of children’s rights. The convention sets out a number of children’s rights such as the rights to be protected from violence and discrimination and the rights to life, health and education.
To celebrate Universal Children’s Day a wide range of events take place worldwide in organizations as diverse as schools, charities, businesses and governments. It is described as “A fun day with a serious message” by the UN when children get the opportunity to take over high profile roles in the media, politics and sports to raise awareness of challenges faced by children.
The Cuban children enjoy all the rights boys and girls need to grow, to be educated, well cared and treated, and appropriately fed. Then how come, the US government dares to accuse Cuba of human right violation? They disregard the overwhelming majority at UNGA have been voting in favor of Cuba and against all the fabrication and the economic blockade on Cuba.
Children are number one in the roll of priorities in Cuba.
Written by Jorge Lora
