20th June is observed as United Nations’ World Refugee Day. Partit Demokratiku honours the will and perseverance of women, men and children who leave everything they own behind and try to rebuild their lives away from geo-political and armed conflicts.
PD dedicates this day to protect and promote the rights of persons, especially of children on the move, infants and the unborn child, who are subject to the devastating impact of all forms of physical, mental and social violence, injury, abuse, neglect and exploitation. PD is concerned that the interests of this vulnerable age group is not always effectively safeguarded across all European and Mediterranean countries as enshrined in the UNCRC. (The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child)
It is essential to recognise that children on the move, infants and the unborn child have specific needs and interests that need immediate access to health care and education whether they are in the jurisdiction of a transit or host state. All children have a right to development and proper upbringing, and be socially integrated, and must never be taken away unjustly from their parents.
PD expresses deep concern and grief that children go missing and are the victims of tragedies in the sub-Saharan region and the Mediterranean Sea.
“Children are the world’s most vulnerable resource and its best hope for the future.” John. F. Kennedy. It is high time that all refugees are shown the respect and protection we would want for ourselves or our loved ones in similar circumstances.