Child rights are women’s rights - UNICEF

In an attempt to raise global awareness of the needs of children and women alike, UNICEF Afghanistan and the Afghan ministry of health celebrated this year’s launch of the State of World’s Children (SOWC) report on Wednesday. Speaking at the launch in the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, capital of the northern province of Balkh, UNICEF Resident Project Officer Mahboob Shareef said children’s rights could not be realised if the health and well-being of women were not being addressed. “Sick, hungry, and oppressed women do not have the ability to nurture their children adequately,” he pointed out. Meanwhile, in the Afghan capital Kabul, the SOWC report was celebrated by a women’s gathering from the health sector. According to a press release from UNICEF Afghanistan, 50 women from NGOs, health institutions, education, and the rural rehabilitation department (RRD) participated. Children present at the meeting made a strong call for peace and education for girls and boys, better health services and a clean environment. The women at the meeting committed themselves to undertake an active role in early childhood development, and reiterated the need for peace and support for women’s rights. The SOWC report is a yearly assessment of the well-being of children all over the world, providing governments, leaders, the humanitarian community, individuals and the media with information and recommendations on improving the lives of children. This year’s report has placed particular emphasis on the importance of early childhood development, Dr Solofo Ramaroson of UNICEF told IRIN on Wednesday.