The Lasallian mission thrives to provide a human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor. The 43rd General Chapter in 2000 emphasized that defending the rights of children should become a major focus and concern for all. With children at the heart of the mission, Lasallians throughout the Region are encouraged to take advantage of new and existing resources support the rights of children worldwide.
Answering that call of the 43rd General Chapter, the delegates at the 45th General Chapter that is currently taking place in Rome sent an important letter on May 15 to the president of Nigeria strongly encouraging his intervention and efforts to secure the release of the more than 200 Nigerian girls who were kidnapped by terrorists last month. The delegates from the continent of Africa personally delivered the letter to the Nigerian Consulate in Rome.
The Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools has released a new website called Children and Youth at Risk that supports children and their well-being. Fondazione De La Salle Solidarietá Internazionale ONLUS (International Lasallian Solidarity Foundation), a nonprofit that sponsors international projects and coordinates a network of Lasallian development organizations around the world, administers the website. Click here to find out more >
This year, November 20 marks the 25th anniversary of when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). This day has become known as Universal Children’s Day. Its 1989 approval follows the United Nations’ November 20, 1959, adoption of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child.
The CRC is a multilateral human rights treaty that promotes the rights of children worldwide, incorporating the full range of human rights (civil, cultural, economic, political, and social) into a single document. The CRC is the first legally binding international text of its kind and calls upon political and religious leaders, as well as civil society organizations, to move toward achieving real progress in the protection of child rights. The United States, Somalia, and South Sudan are the only nations that have not ratified the CRC.
The volunteer-driven Campaign for US Ratification of the CRC is a network of affiliates who are passionately working to encourage the US Senate to ratify the CRC. The campaign offers many ways to participate in the celebration of Universal Children’s Day. Find ideas, a downloadable PowerPoint, and Toolkit here >
In support of children’s rights, the General Councilor and Visitors signed a statement in November 2011 advocating for the promotion and protection of the rights of children and committing themselves to helping children achieve their full human dignity.