World Vision UK has delivered a petition to Downing Street, calling on the British Government to place the welfare of kids on the centre of the UK’s foreign policies and aid.
Signed by over 1,500 kid’s advocates, the petition calls attention to the various threats children are facing across the globe, and underlines the importance of ensuring a future that protects them.
Currently, 333 million children live in conditions of utmost poverty, while over 400 million are growing up in conflict and violence. These conflict zones include Ukraine, where children are facing an increased risk of abuse and human trafficking. In Gaza, children represent half of the 1.9 million individuals who have been displaced by the conflict there.
“These children aren’t just statistics; they’re beloved by God, each with a reputation, a story, and a future that should be protected,” said Rev Chris Lee of St Saviour’s Church, Wendell Park, who helped deliver the petition.
Saying that the UK’s position as a worldwide power means it’s well placed to effect change, the petition calls on the Government to take decisive motion.
Quoting evidence that showed that for every £1 spent on child-related activities, £10 was generated in return, World Vision UK said that investing in children was not only the moral selection, but a wise selection for the country’s future.
“Children around the globe are disproportionately affected by the combined effects of poverty, conflict, and hunger,” said Erica Hall, Head of Policy and Government Relations at World Vision UK.
“Alarmingly, only 5% of world Official Development Assistance (ODA) is allocated on to child-centred programmes. Prioritising investment in children shouldn’t be only a profound ethical responsibility but in addition a strategic move to maximise the effectiveness of aid.”
The petition also called on the Government to show its commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which the UK ratified in 1991. It said this might be done by incorporating the rights of kids into foreign policy and appointing a Special Envoy for Children throughout the Foreign, Commonwealth
and Development Office (FCDO).
The appointment of a Special Envoy, in addition to integrating a meaningful child
and youth consultation framework within the FCDO’s work, would make sure that kid’s voices are heard by the Government, and their perspectives and desires taken under consideration when formulating the policies that can affect their lives, the petition adds.
