Too many children suffering

Press, 19 October 1977, Page 16

Too many children suffering

Too many New Zealand children were appearing in the courts, the Mayoress (Mrs Judith Hay) told a meeting of the University of Canterbury Association yesterday morning. Too many were in custody, and too many came from broken homes. In these cases the child suffered emotionally and physically.

In New Zealand there were still areas of abuse of children. Casualty wards and out-patients’ departments frequently patched up such children and sent them home not knowing what else to do.

Education tn New Zealand was fine for the academic child, but what of the ones who would never get School (Certificate, or who arrived at school very early, cold and hungry? Would they be able to keep up with their class?

All children had a right to a name, home, nationality, to education, health and happiness. The International Year of the Child was not just a question of children’s health needs. It had much wider coverage. The United Nation’s declaration said: “Mankind owes the child the best it has to give for they are the future of every country.”

The United Nations was very conscious that children in every country had no legal rights. It had therefore

agreed to designate 1979 as the Year of the Child, to create an atmosphere of awareness in all countries. Mrs Hay outlined moves made to plan for the year in New Zealand. Under the [direction of Mr J. Belich,

national president of 1 U.N.1.C.E.F., a national steering committee had been set up to co-ordinate planning for a New Zealand Commission for Children. Last week the commission was formally established.

Next year working parties on specific needs at a national level would be set up. This pattern was being followed in Christchurch, with the establishment of a united council region — from the Conway to the Rakaia Rivers, which would be co-ordinated by a regional council. The first newsletter had been produced. This included an enrolment form for supporters of I.Y.C. so that individuals and organisations could advise the council of their interests and intentions.

The council’s first meeting would be held on November 28. The executive would be selected and working parties developed. Finance would be a matter for urgent consideration. The Christchurch City Council had provided the necessary back-up to assist initial organisation. The Social Services Committee’s proposed Bill of Rights for Children was a splendid basis. It should mean that positive results would show in many areas in 1979. With advance planning, 1979 would be a year of real and lasting achievement. .

New Zealand children, and those of every country, would benefit. Hopefully, they would be recognised as the nation’s real wealth, she said.