UNIVERSAL CHILDREN'S DAY

On the annual occasion of Universal Children's Day, the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA) would like to call upon all the people and the governments around the globe to keep up their commitment towards the welfare of children. Let us keep to our promise as stated in the Fourth Millennium Development Goal and act to reduce the mortality rate among children under five, by two thirds.

Dear IFMSA - 20th of November 2007 - UNIVERSAL CHILDREN'S DAY!

Please follow the link to the ifmsa.org website to download the document if you cannot access it from this e-mail.

http://www.ifmsa.org/ifmsa/activities/standing-committees/scorp/scorp- statements/
or

http://www.ifmsa.org/ifmsa/activities/standing-committees/scorp/scorp- statements-page/

The statement is also available in the following languages:

Arabic - translated by Anas Eid (IFMSA-Palestine)

Dutch - translated by Mahsa Montazeri (IFMSA- the Netherlands)

German - translated by Christoph Bader (BVMD Germany)

Portuguese - translated by Thatyana Ernani (IFLMS Brazil)

Spanish - translated by Dani Rodriguez (IFMSA-Spain)

English - "translated" by Jonathan Mamo and with the help of numerous Officials and SCORPions.

By resolution 836(IX) of 14 December 1954, the General Assembly recommended that all countries institute a Universal Children's Day, to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children. It recommended that the Day was to be observed also as a day of activity devoted to promoting the ideals and objectives of the Charter and the welfare of the children of the world. The Assembly suggested to governments that the Day be observed on the date and in the way which each considers appropriate. The date 20 November, marks the day on which the Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, in 1959, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, in 1989.

Thanks to all those who helped in the creation of this statement...

Peace,

Jon.

Jonathan P. Mamo MD
Director on Human Rights and Peace Issues (SCORP-D) '07 - '08
International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA)

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On the annual occasion of Universal Children's Day, the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA) would like to call upon all the people and the governments around the globe to keep up their commitment towards the welfare of children. Let us keep to our promise as stated in the Fourth Millennium Development Goal and act to reduce the mortality rate among children under five, by two thirds.

Every year, over 10 million children live and die before they reach their fifth birthday. This means 30,000 children every single day. Most of these children live in developing countries and die from a disease or multiple illnesses that could be treated or prevented easily. Malnutrition contributes to over half of these deaths. And we have not yet mentioned the problems with child trafficking, child prostitution, child labor exploitation and slavery.

Children are the seeds of our world’s future. They symbolize our prosperity and our immortality. Any yet we still see countless examples by which children are abused and maltreated. IFMSA is bound to help, wherever possible, to promote better welfare and a better future for children of all ages and races.

IFMSA’s Standing Committee on Human Rights and Peace (SCORP), over the past few years, has extensively focused on projects and activities regarding children, with special emphasis on refugees and illegal migrants. These projects have ranged from Christmas parties in refugee camps to basic health care, from children’s art exhibitions to education meetings and social events of all kinds. Countless projects have been set up over the years to raise awareness amongst school children regarding important issues such as conflict prevention, refugees and asylum seekers, and reproductive health.

This year, IFMSA will be collaborating with the WHO to further enhance medical education with regards to pediatrics. This “global survey on pediatric curricula” aims to ensure a greater understanding of pediatric diseases and health care requirements by the doctors of tomorrow.

Being the voice of medical students worldwide, IFMSA and its members have always felt their responsibility in improving the life of the younger generation, regardless of their social status and country of origin.

IFMSA is one of the largest student organizations in the world with over one million members in over 100 countries worldwide and is recognized as the international voice of medical students around the globe. IFMSA has been in official relations with the WHO since 1969 and is partnered with numerous organizations including both UN Agencies and other student organizations. IFMSA’s activities include over 8,000 medical student exchanges a year and a wealth of student-led projects which fall into four main fields of interest: medical education, public health, human rights and peace, and reproductive health including HIV/AIDS. Many IFMSA activities have the ultimate motive of and preventing conflicts through friendship and increased global understanding.

On Behalf of the IFMSA Team of Officials 2007 – 2008