UNICEF prods two parties toward unity
In a rare show of bipartisan unity, this afternoon, members of both the United Democratic Party and the People’s United Party joined officials of the National Committee for Families and Children and UNICEF to make sure Belizean children aren’t forgotten in our political future. The plan is to deliver a package of ideas to both parties so that they might incorporate the recommendations in their manifestos. Facilitated by the Council of Churches, both the U.D.P. and P.U.P. have pledged support to the process.
Audrey Wallace, U.D.P. Representative
“I believe that it is high time that we begin bridging the gap between rhetoric and reality when it comes to children and youth development in this country. Therefore, we in the U.D.P. welcome this bi-partisan approach for a long term plan with regards to children and youth development on the broader inclusive social policy. This is the only way we can ensure continuity and sustainability. We in the United Democratic Party have already done extensive work on our national social policy and we feel that this initiative can only enhance and improve what we have already done for the betterment of the entire country. In addition, with the limited resources available to government today, this initiative gives a perfect opportunity to tap into the financial resources and technical expertise which comes from our social partners.”
Sandra Hall, P.U.P. Representative
“When governments change, policies change; that is the reality. Our children and adolescents should not be causalities of political change. Children should be within the realm of politicians as policy makers and not within the realm of politics. The government of Belize is the government of Belize regardless of which political party is in power. We should realize that children are our present and they are our future. We welcome this opportunity that should culminate in a comprehensive policy and plan of action for children and adolescents. The government today is already collaborating with UNICEF and other donor agencies in protecting and promoting the rights of children.”
The working group held its first meeting this afternoon and will hopefully complete its mission by March 2003.
