28
Nov
2024
Watch
Strengthening children’s rights in the EU - 35th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (debate)
Madam President, Commissioner! For 35 years, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child has guaranteed fundamental rights to all children. But are these rights really being implemented everywhere in the European Union? Reality shows: No. Poverty, cyberbullying and a lack of equal opportunities in education remain pressing issues. The European Child Guarantee is a significant milestone, but without sufficient funding it remains nothing more than a promise. Our children also need more protection on the Internet. Long-term use of social media puts the mental health of our young people at risk. I welcome the planned EU study on the impact of social media. For this, however, we need a binding action plan against cyberbullying. We need to equip the EU strategy on children's rights with sufficient resources and implement it consistently in all Member States, as well as a strategy on intergenerational justice, so that family poverty can be tackled decisively. Our children must be able to grow up safely and equitably. We have a responsibility to consistently protect their rights and ensure equal opportunities.