“I hope that all affected children can go back normal life as soon as possible like me,” said Xiao Li, 14, who is one of thousands of children who survived the devastation caused by Typhoon Morakot last August.

To commemorate Universal Children’s Day and the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of Child (CRC), World Vision Taiwan held a forum today where children affected by disaster shared their experiences and advocated for others like them. The event was also attended by First Lady Chow Mei Ching to support and encourage the children.

In his opening remarks, Hank Du, Executive Director for World Vision Taiwan said, “Children are vulnerable to being ignored during disasters. Thousands of children affected by the typhoon still need to be cared for,” as he urged people to work together to help child survivors throughout the journey towards full recovery.

Xiao Zhe’s (16) home in Taitung was destroyed and his family had to move to several different places. However, today, he is still able to attend school like any other child. He is grateful for the support of others. Xiao Zhe advocated that all children like should have access to education, regardless of the circumstances.

Like Xiao Zhe, Xiao Xian’s(12), home was also destroyed. Recently, she and her family just settled in her relative’s home. “I hope every child has a safe and warm home,” said Xiao Xian.

After listening to the children’s sharing, Ms. Chow said that she was moved and saddened by their suffering.

“The world is unfair. But every person has different talents and experiences. Challenges are common for capable people. You must have the ability to conquer challenges. Be brave! Don’t give up!” she told the children.

Two child psychology experts also participated in the forum to explain the importance of protecting children after a disaster.

Wu Tze-Jane, Associate Professor, Social Work Department, Tunghai University said: “Children have suffered much trauma from their loss. Children have lost their homes, their school and friends, and for some, even their family members. They perhaps don’t know how to talk about their trauma and their distress. Governments, NGOs and schools must have programs to help them. “

Tung Chun-Fa from the College of Indigenous Studies, National Dong Hwa University said: ”Rehabilitation should focus on children. If children don’t participate in the recovery process, it is hard to recover from their trauma and grief.”

Several children who attended the forum were also participants of the “Draw Your Dream Home with Your Little Hand” organized by World Vision Taiwan and were given the opportunity to share with Ms. Chow what they drew.

Xiao Ting, from Nantou, who drew a shape of heart in her painting said: “ I hope to help affected children, but I have no money. So I pray for them everyday and pass my love on them.”

In response, Ms. Chow said that children from Nantou are compassionate and care for others’ needs. “We adults should learn from them,” she said.

At the conclusion of the forum, Ms Chow handed out stationery packages to the children and Mr. Hank Du awarded them with “Certificates of Courage”.

Several of the children’s paintings have been selected to serve as images for World Vision charity merchandise, including a 2010 calendar, T-shirt, and canvas bag. Proceeds will go towards children care projects implemented by World Vision’s Typhoon Morakot Response program.

Ms Chow calls on parents to advise their children to buy the charity merchandise with their pocket money. “It a good opportunity to direct your children to help others, ”she said.

Appendix/strong>

What is Convention on Child Rights?

In 1989, the Convention on the Rights of Child (CRC) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. CRC is the first legally binding international instrument to incorporate the full range of human rights—including civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights.

The Convention has achieved near-universal acceptance, having now been ratified by 193 parties – more than belong to the United Nations or have acceded to the Geneva Conventions.

The Convention sets out these rights in 54 articles.

The articles in the Convention on the Rights of the Child that are related to disaster affected children below:

Article 6 (Survival and development): Children have the right to live. Governments should ensure that children survive and develop healthily.

Article 12 (Respect for the views of the child): When adults are making decisions that affect children, children have the right to say what they think should happen and have their opinions taken into account.

Article 13 (Freedom of expression): Children have the right to get and share information, as long as the information is not damaging to them or others.

Article 19 (Protection from all forms of violence): Children have the right to be protected from being hurt and mistreated, physically or mentally.

Article 27 (Adequate standard of living): Children have the right to a standard of living that is good enough to meet their physical and mental needs.

Article 28: (Right to education): All children have the right to a primary education, which should be free.

Article 29 (Goals of education): Children’s education should develop each child’s personality, talents and abilities to the fullest. It should encourage children to respect others, human rights and their own and other cultures.

Article 30 (Children of minorities/indigenous groups): Minority or indigenous children have the right to learn about and practice their own culture, language and religion.

Article 31 (Leisure, play and culture): Children have the right to relax and play, and to join in a wide range of cultural, artistic and other recreational activities.

What is Universal Children's Day?

After the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted in 1989, the UN General Assembly recommended that all countries choose a day to promote children's welfare.

A key objective of Universal Children's Day is to increase awareness of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It reminds us that children need love and respect to grow to their full potential. It is a day to listen to children, to marvel at their uniqueness and all they have to offer.

Source: UNICEF and UNA-Canada websites