China calls for int'l efforts to protect children's rights
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Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on the international community to make concerted efforts to protect children's rights around the world.
While addressing the opening ceremony of a high-level meeting on cooperation for child rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Xi said China would work closely with the United Nations and other countries "to build a peaceful, safe and fair world suitable for children's growth."
During the three-day meeting, more than 180 representatives from 28 countries in the Asia-Pacific region are expected to discuss issues on children welfare and protection and the realization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), eight global anti-poverty objectives due to be achieved by 2015.
"Despite the fact that children's growth environment in the region and the world is improving ... many children are still suffering because of war, violence, discrimination, poverty, disease and a worsening environment," said Xi.
Xi called on the international community to jointly safeguard world peace and stability to protect women and children from wars.
He also urged developed nations to honor their commitments and increase investment and called for developing nations to share their experiences to create a favorable environment for women and children.
Xi said China has always given priority to children's development and introduced laws and regulations to protect children's rights.
"China is now drawing up a new guideline on children's development from 2011 to 2020 and will incorporate children's comprehensive development into the 12th Five-Year Plan," Xi said.
Although notable progress on children's rights had been made in past years, much more needed to be done, said Anthony Lake, executive director of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).
"In fact, millions of the poorest children in Asia are being left behind, even in countries that are advancing toward meeting the MDGs," said Lake.
"I hope the outcome of this meeting will result in even further collaboration and collective action." said Lake.
