Now is the right moment for the political powers in Europe to get the engines rolling and start working together for the future of our children, Labour MEP Marlene Mizzi said during a debate in the European Parliament on the 25th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the child. 

"I am asking the Commission and High representative to ratify the Convention on behalf of the EU so that children's' rights become  binding obligations in every piece of European legislation, and that EU rules are "directly" linked with the compliance of this Convention, which must become a binding document for every human being and every nation".

MEP Mizzi intervened and stated that 25 years after signing the Convention, children's rights continue to be dishonoured in many parts of the world and that millions of children remain victims of cyberbullying, trafficking, sexual exploitation, social exclusion and discrimination among many others.

MEP Mizzi highlighted that much more needs to be done to address children´s needs and to make the vision of the Convention a reality for all children around the world. She also called for a holistic approach in Europe keeping the best interests of the child at heart, combating all forms of violence, discrimination and stereotypes against children, so they can fully enjoy their human rights.

"Children are our future. But they are also the present, and we must take care and protect them now".