Malaysia Caring Society FDC

Malaysia FDC
Name: Caring Society
Date of Issue: 09 October 2009

2009 is the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). This legally binding treaty calls on all citizens of the world, from its leaders to each and every one of us to live up to our duties to ensure every child survives and thrives, free from hunger, want, neglect and abuse.

The CRC demands from every one of us, as part of a caring society, to place children at the heart of human development. Not only because this offers a strong return on our investment; nor because of the vulnerability of childhood calls upon our compassion; but rather because that is every child's right.

Denominations:
30sen: Right to Play
Play and participation are critical rights for every child. It facilitates creativity, individuality and social, physical and intellectual growth. There are children however who are deprived of play due to conflict, disease and exploitation. Building safe social and physical environment must be a priority so all children can play and develop into caring citizens free to participate in shaping their own societies.

30sen: Right to Food
Every child born into this world has a right to survive. Nutritious food and clean water are amongst the most essential needs to ensure a child's good health to develop mentally and physically. Universal and sustainable food security is part and parcel of protecting this right for children and their families.

30sen: Right to Learn
The ABCs are the beginning of a brighter future for every child. The opportunity to learn and benefit from development must be the right of all children, regardless of gender, ethnicity, economic background, disability, citizenship or HIV status. Only when every single child is able to read and write, can we truly begin to reduce poverty and guarantee true human progress for all communities.

30sen: Right to Protection
Every child has the right to grow up safe, free from abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination. Yet many experience violence in their childhood, their homes and families, schools, care systems and communities. Giving our children a happy childhood is only possible when society unites to openly confront violence and to defend children's right to protection.

RM1: Born with Rights
Children are the seeds of a country's future. For them to grow and realize the fullest potential, a conducive environment for their development and growth must first be set in place. The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) helps create this environment for children aged 18 and below by setting the standards for their health care, education , as well as legal, civil and social services.

And although translating the vision and values of the CRC into reality is chiefly the government's responsibility, society as a whole is also responsible for realizing the CRC's objectives. Parents, teachers, health workers, advocates and even children themselves, play crucial roles every day to protect and guarantee the rights of all children.

To ensure that children are accorded their rights as enshrined in the CRC, Article 45 of the CRC itself mandates that UNICEF play the most important role of all; Help foster the implementation of the rights of the child.