Bandar Seri Begawan - Children in Brunei
Darussalam will join others from around the world in celebrating Universal
Children's Day 2011 today (November 20), which this year revolves around the
theme "Appreciate Our Voices", stressing the importance of a child's
right to express their views and to be heard.
Brunei Darussalam celebrates this auspicious
occasion under the Convention of Rights of the Child (CRC) this year by hosting
a two-day forum between November 23 and 24 in the Brunei-Muara District.
The event is being supported whole-heartedly
by Baiduri Bank and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd.
The forum will mark the first time that the
Government of His Majesty the Sultan will be open to input, views and opinions
from children under the age of 15, highlighting the simple and unique
perspective that children possess when compared with their adult counterparts.
The interactive forum will involve some 300
students in the district, which will see children put forward their views on
topics such as religion and health to education and culture, and more.
According to Community Development Officer,
Siti Zaharah binti Hj Abdul Razak, the theme for this year's celebration is
important in respecting the views of a child.
"Respecting the views of a child is based
on Article 12 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child. When adults are
making decision that affect children, children have the right to say what they
think should happen and have their opinion taken into account.
"This does not mean that children can now
tell their parents what to do.
This convention encourages adults to listen to
the opinions of children and involve them in decision-making. Article 12 does
not interfere with a parent's right and -responsibility to express their views
on matters affecting their children."
Regarding the interactive forum, she said,
"The 300 students involved will be split into 12 groups whereby students
will partake in discussions on topics related to children such as education,
career, culture, health, finance, media and special needs individuals.
"Each group will have its own
facilitator.
We want to hear their opinions and views in
various areas.
We are doing this with the objective of
improving the numerous programmes and projects that we have, through the input
of children.
"After collecting their opinions and
views, we will pass the summary to the Permanent Secretary of Culture, Youth
and Sports, and we will try to instil the valuable views into the many projects
under the purview of the Community Development Department."
Brunei has celebrated Universal Children's day
for the last four years where Telematches took place in each district based on
the continuous theme of 'The Right To Play'.
Not wanting to leave children from other
districts outside Brunei-Muara from participating, she said, "We hope to
include children of other districts by hosting the forum in one district every
year until we cover all the districts.
Initially we wanted to invite children
nationwide, however logistically it wasn't viable".
When it comes to the local scene in regards to
children's rights based on the Rights of Child 1959 and the Convention of the
Rights of Child in 1989, she said, "Children in Brunei enjoy most of the
rights under the convention. We have free education, free health and
more."
Siti Zaharah binti Hj Abdul Razak also took
the opportunity to convey her heartfelt gratitude to the main sponsor, Baiduri
Bank, and its main media partner, Brunei Press Sdn Bhd, for its continuous
support of Universal Children's Day.
--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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