Suzanne Mubarak: Egypt making progress for children

Egypt's First Lady Suzanne Mubarak said Egypt has made progress in child care, protection, and development . "But there are also illegal practices that should stop," she added, saying that 1989 -1999 is the decade for the Egyptian child in Egypt, which focuses attention on priorities relating to children.

"Children in Egypt enjoy primary schooling, children's and mothers' death rate dropped, polio has been completely eradicated, and care of children with special needs is on the rise," Mubarak said.

First Lady Mubarak yesterday said that what Egypt has been achieved on child care, protection, and development goes in line with the World Child Declaration.

Addressing the inaugural session of a three-day summit on children, she pointed to many trends that inspire confidence in the future. "But there is also illegal practices that should stop," she admonished.

Mrs. Mubarak reviewed the Egyptian experiment in promoting child rights after President Mubarak dedicated the 1989-1999 decade for the Egyptian child. This declaration meant that Egypt gives the child a top priority in the national development plans.

Mrs. Mubarak arrived in Warsaw Sunday to take part in the UNICEF-sponsored summit that aims to activate the world Child Declaration. Later in the day, she attended the second session of the conference. The second session tackled how education can provide the child with a better future.