Children face “an uncertain future” according to WHO
By Rachel Lawler
Today’s children are facing an “uncertain future” thanks to climate change and growing health concerns, according to a new from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The report, A Future for the World’s Children?, argues that few countries have made much progress towards the ‘sustainable development goals’ set in 2015 and no country is able to offer both a sustainable environment and a healthy childhood.
The report cites “climate change, ecological degradation, migrating populations, conflict and pervasive inequalities” as threats to the health and future of children in every country. It also highlighted the threat from “predatory commercial practices”, such as fast food marketing, to children’s health.
The UK was ranked in 10th place in the list of countries supporing children to “flourish”, behind Norway, South Korea, Netherlands, France, Ireland, Denmark, Japan, Belgium and Iceland.
The WHO has called on governments to “ensure children receive their rights and entitlements now and a liveable plant in the years to come”.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization, commented: “This report shows that the world’s decision makers are, too often, failing today’s children and youth: failing to protect their health, failing to protect their rights, and failing to protect their planet.
“This must be a wakeup call for countries to invest in child health and development, ensure their voices are heard, protect their rights, and build a future that is fit for children.”
Together we can: giving children the future they deserve
With so much social, political and climate change happening across the world, it can be difficult for adults to make sense of current events. For our youngest children, it must be overwhelming.
As early years practitioners, we want every child to handle these changes confidently and be able to develop and grow despite the challenges of the modern world. Together we can explores ways we can create a better, kinder and happier world for future generations.
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