…to promote inclusivity and the protection of children from all sorts of violence, a football exhibition game was held.

YK Poudel

Policymakers, representatives from National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC), Bhutan Football Federation (BFF), UNICEF, and the partners celebrated World Children’s Day (WCD) themed “Inclusion, for every child” at the Changlimithang yesterday.

The day was marked coinciding with the NCWC and UNICEF’s ongoing ending violence against children campaign.

Health Minister and the Vice Chairperson of the National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC) Dechen Wangmo highlighted the roles of policymakers in creating an enabling environment for children to thrive.

“We must protect our children and at the same time, we must take the responsibility to create an environment through which they can reach their highest potential,” the minister said.

UNICEF Bhutan’s Deputy Representative, Marie-Consolee Mukangendo, said that UNICEF shall remain committed to supporting the measures taken by the government in addressing the issues concerning children’s wellbeing.

“Today, we are celebrating every child, everywhere. As people all around the world unite to celebrate the world cup, we want them to also unite around every child’s right to non-discrimination and inclusion.”

As World Children’s Day coincides with the World Cup kick-off, an exhibition football match was played among the policymakers led by the Prime Minister, celebrities, footballers, young people, and children to highlight critical issues affecting children.

Thinley Lhendup, 10, Junior Football Academy player, said that such events organised for the children enable them to get better opportunities and become better people. “I am happy to be a part of the event today. It provides young children like me a medium to get together and share about things that concern us as a child,” he said.

WCD was first established in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day, and November 20 marks the date on which the Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959.