One hundred and thirteen million children have no access to primary education. They should make it overwhelmingly clear that the United Nations review of the 1990 World Summit for Children that will culminate in a UN General Assembly Special Session in September 2001 is an important time for all NGOs to review their advocacy in the area of education, particularly for the girl-child.
Education is among the key areas of concern.
The most important of educational requisites, that all children should have the opportunity to acquire a good education, will be underscored. The preparatory work for the Special Session on children emphasizes that girls education is the key to future human development. Of course, this focus is not separate from the importance of access to basic health services, clean water, sanitation and proper nutrition. Article 28 of the CRC states that primary education should be available, free and compulsory and that education should prepare children for a responsible life in a free society, with equality of sexes and in a world infused with a spirit of understanding, peace and tolerance. The special session will reinforce a methodology, as well as content, that includes the participation of young people, including girls.