More than 113 million children of primary school age are out of school, and at least 875 million adults are unable to read danger warnings or sign their name. And that is only the tip of the iceberg. The statistics almost overwhelm us, but we need them to understand the situation. There are millions of child slaves, and a million children are forced into the sex trade each year. Millions of children are harmed by conflicts, and 300,000 are child soldiers.
Disparities associated with information technologies are already perceptible.
In summary, from Afghanistan to Mexico, Norway to Zimbabwe, many children are unable to realize their rights and develop to their full potential because too many people in too many places on too many occasions, in their attitudes, policies and practice have said no to children - their own and those of others. The identification of ten priorities for action. Because, first and foremost, we are all human beings, and are duty-bound to act. The GMC asks us to protect the rights and secure the well-being and development of every child through individual and collective effort. You and I need to be aware that every child has inalienable rights, and that nations will only thrive when these rights are realized.