FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Haitian Rights Coalition Urges Unity to March for Children’s Rights

Contact: Martine Caze or Merrie Archer
Phone: (212) 337-0005

7 September 2001 -- In 1990 leaders of many nations came together to take part in the World Summit and establish the Convention on the Rights of the Child: the most important protection ever extended to children. On September 18-21, the UN will be hosting the most important children’s event ever: the UN Special Session on Children’s Rights. Influential officials and heads of state will meet to decide on the level of responsibility the international community has in protecting children around the globe. While the National Coalition for Haitian Rights (NCHR) applauds this long overdue focus on children’s rights, it is clear that ensuring the continual protection of children’s rights still needs to be a priority.  That is why we are calling on each and every member of the community to stand up and march as one. 

NCHR would like to extend an invitation to you, your family and your friends to attend the March for Children’s Rights being held on September 18th.  All participants will meet at 4pm at 59th Street, Columbus Circle, on the sidewalk at the South West Corner of Central Park under the NCHR banner and signs. The March will then proceed to the UN followed by a rally and vigil in support and in hopes that world leaders clearly understand that Children Rights must remain a priority.  Please join us in co-sponsorship with Kids Meeting Kids, the Child Labor Coalition-USA, ECPAT, the Global March Against Child Labor, Intercommunity Justice & Peace Center, Peaceways and many more in this important event. 

Many promises made in the 1990 World Summit were left unfulfilled and now it is time to not only rectify these errors, but to make sure that the US government finally ratifies the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to ensure the future of children everywhere. As you are aware, billions of kids lose their rights to be kids, they suffer unspeakable physical, sexual and psychological abuse.  Many are put to hard labor at tender ages in fields and sweatshops. Many more are denied access to basic health care. These are the voices that are never heard.

These are the voices we are standing up for.  Join us and March. 

The National Coalition for Haitian Rights is a nonprofit nongovernmental organization that seeks to promote and protect the rights of Haitian refugees and Haitian-Americans under US and international law, and to advance respect for human rights, the rule of law and support for civil and democratic society in Haiti.