My Plenary Speech on Children's Rights

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My Plenary Speech on Strengthening children’s rights in the EU – 35th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

Dear Commissioner,

Dear Colleagues,

Today we celebrate the first international instrument to recognise children as human beings entitled to fundamental freedoms and human rights.

And 35 years later, we must continue strengthening children’s rights here in Europe.

Comprehensive, age-adapted sexuality and relationship education is an essential tool to prevent sexual abuse, pedophilia and violence and is critical for the health of children and young people.

In a world where abuse, gender-based violence, unwanted pregnancies, AIDS and STDs pose a risk to the wellbeing of young people, education becomes a powerful instrument.

However, despite the clear evidence of the benefits of sexuality education, it is still challenged.

Dear colleagues,

The health and well-being of children cannot be politicised.

It is not about ideology, it’s about human rights.

Together, we need to fight for a more resilient society, without leaving behind vulnerable groups like children living with disabilities, LGBTIQ+ young people, rainbow families, refugees and migrant children.

Children are our future, but let’s not forget that they are also our present.

Thank you.