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[25 November 2010] - Leading up to this weekend's general election in Haiti, Plan have ensured that young people's views on how their futures should be shaped were heard via a nationwide broadcast. Members of a child rights group supported by Plan joined with two top Haitian journalists for an in-depth discussion on the national political show "Face the Public". Leading the question and answer session, Plan youth media journalist, Caroline Zephir asked for their opinions on child rights, education, the environment and the cholera outbreak. Fifteen year old participant Daphnicka called for the new leadership of Haiti to uphold the government's commitment to defend, protect and guarantee the rights of children, especially in participation. "Reconstruction is not just rebuilding houses and schools, but making sure Haiti becomes a new country where children's rights are protected," said Daphnicka during the interview. The youth group members called for parks for children to play, free schools, eradicating domestic servitude for children, and quality health services not just in Port-au-Prince but through all areas of Haiti�especially considering the recent cholera outbreak. They also gave advice to fellow members of the public on ways to stop the spread of cholera and with the show airing on national radio also, it is hoped their messages will reach a large audience and help to halt the spread of the disease. "I cannot vote, but I have a voice" is a campaign that Plan International supports in several countries around the world that asks politicians everywhere to understand that children have different priorities that must be addressed in a meaningful way," says Jo-Ann Garnier Lafontant, Director of Policy, Strategy and Advocacy at Plan in Haiti. "Here in Haiti--especially at this challenging time after the earthquake, Hurricane Tomas and now cholera--it is vital to support children in their efforts to make their voices heard," said Garnier-Lafontant. "Plan's advocacy efforts seek to hold the State accountable to the rights of children," she added. A public service message produced by the youth group was aired during the programme. It was produced with the support of Plan Haiti and its media partner, Panos.
For more on child rights in Haiti, click here.
pdf: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/506707/129070512847.htm