BY: ANTONIO DEY | HGP NIGHTLY NEWS |
Children across Guyana will soon have a formal platform to shape national policy through the creation of the country’s first-ever Children’s Manifesto—an initiative announced by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, at UNICEF’s World Children’s Day celebration on Monday.
Speaking at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Dr. Persaud said the manifesto will focus on what children want for themselves “today and in the future,” ensuring their needs and concerns directly inform government planning.
“Children ought to shape the policies that we have in the world of adults,” she stated. “We’re creating a children’s manifesto—what children want for themselves in Guyana.”
Aligned With Global Child Rights Standards
The Minister explained that the manifesto will align with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). She warned that although the convention is globally recognized, many jurisdictions—including Guyana—have yet to implement its mandatory protections fully.
“Today in 2025, with almost 30% of the global population being children, we are still struggling as a world to make good on all of those child rights,” Dr. Persaud noted.
She stressed that children must be seen as critical investments for national development.
“We must invest in you now,” she said, addressing the young audience. “By the time you enter the adult world, you should be informed, educated, aware, and part of crafting your future.”
UNICEF: Children Must Be Heard, Protected, and Empowered
UNICEF Representative to Guyana and Suriname, Gabriel Rockhill, reminded attendees that children require environments where they are safe, educated, and have equitable access to health services.
He highlighted that young people are too often ignored by adults—even when their experiences include trauma, violence, or neglect.
“This year’s theme is especially relevant,” Rockhill said. “It is about listening to you—so we can understand what bothers you, what you want to tell us, and what may not yet be going well in your community or country.”
World Children’s Day 2025 Theme: Investing in Our Children Is Investing in Our Future
The initiative aims to position children at the centre of national development strategies, ensuring their voices help shape a more equitable, child-friendly society.
