MEMBERS of the Mindanao Coalition for Children's Rights (MCCR) in Davao Region are gearing up for the 26th United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Day on November 20.
The UNCRC is an international agreement that provides for the civil, political, economic, social and cultural right of every child, regardless of their race, religion or abilities.
It was conceived by 130 counties on November 20, 1989.
Senior Police Officer 4 (SPO4) Ma. Rosario Yambao-Suarez, MCCR president and officer of the Police Regional Office's Public Communication Relations Division (PRO-PCRD), said the celebration in the city will be held later on November 23 with a children's festival at the Abreeza Mall.
Dubbed as "Sayaw ng Kabataan Kontra Droga at Pang-aabuso," the festival will highlight both the government and non-government organization's campaign against illegal drugs, child abuse and exploitation, Suarez said.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Davao Region spokesperson Noli Nephi Dimaandal said the youths are the most vulnerable victims of the illegal drug activities "because of the amended Juvenile Justice System."
"Children are used to transport illegal drugs considering na dili sila basta-basta makulong. But the PDEA through the preventive education and community involvement section, we step up our campaign against drugs," Dimaandal said.
Eliza Apit, executive director of the Kamalayan Development Association, said the coalition is all set for various activities for the children in line with their campaign. Part of the event is the poster making contest, Lakad Para sa Daigdig Nararapat Para Sa Bata, and pledge of children against illegal drugs, among others.
Suarez said the coalition is dedicated to the achievement of the rights of a child abuse-free and child-friendly nation, country and society.