Conference on African children pledges relentless efforts for children's welfare
Regional, Culture, 5/31/2001

Egypt's First Lady Suzanne Mubarak Wednesday evening said that children' welfare topped the agenda of priorities.

"These meetings are meant to endorse a statement on the unified African stand and action plan (on children's welfare)," she told the closing session of a landmark Conference on African Children.

"We have tackled thoroughly and objectively all problems related to children in Africa."

Mrs. Mubarak pledged to support the cause of children at different forums "particularly at the ad-hoc committee of the UN general Assembly."

"This conference is considered a historic opportunity of Africa's first ladies to address some key challenge facing their governments and making use of exchanging views." Some eighteen African first ladies took part in the gathering.

"A final communique of the four-day pan-African Forum on the future of children lays an emphasis on transformation from the stage of promises to implementation of commitments," said an official.

"The communique stresses the leadership's commitment, responsibility and accountability." Mushira Khattab," the Secretary-General of Egypt's National Council for Motherhood and Childhood told MENA.

"The debate of the conference was marked by frankness in handling all items on the agenda," she added.

She said that the conference had successfully tackled items such as education and health care for children.

Organization of African Unity (OAU) Chief Salem Ahmed Salem told the closing session that the unified African stance aims at creating a better atmosphere for African children renewing commitment to childhood rights, welfare and better living conditions.

Salim Ahmed Salim, Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), cited eradicating AIDS and protecting children in conflict area as among the goals of a united Africa.

This document is Africa's contribution to the UN session on childhood, Salem said, adding that much should be done by member states and on the regional and international arenas.

The following step after the Cairo conference is to present the June 11 special session of the UN General Assembly on childhood with this document.

The wife of the Burundian President thanked President Mubarak for hosting the conference, good hospitality and Egypt's contribution to the success of the conference.

Youth and civil society representatives held separate important meetings before the conference kicked off, said Mrs. Mubarak. She underlined the need to realise the important changes on the world and regional arenas.

Egypt's first lady called on the international community, especially the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to provide financial support to efforts for boosting children's with special needs and seriously addressed the issue of children's involvement in armed conflicts.

She voiced concern over children who suffer under foreign occupation and sanctions, especially the Palestinian and Iraqi ones.

Egyptian Nobel Laureate Naguib Mahfouz addressed the event, saying that he has been interested in the forum, sponsored by Mrs. Mubarak.

Mohammad Salmawy, an Egyptian writer, delivered Mahfouz's speech in which he said that giving due attention to African children mirrors keenness on the future of the continent.

"Development will not bear fruit unless children and women are given due to attention and racial discrimination is brought to an end," said Mahfouz.

Previous Stories:
  African Forum discusses rights of African children   (5/29/2001)
  Annan invites Mubarak to attend UN session on child   (5/29/2001)
  Speech of Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak at the pan African Forum on the future of Children   (5/28/2001)

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