Make a stand on the MDGs - 19/07/2010 13:13

Ten years have passed since all 192 member nations of the UN pledged to play their part in making the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) a reality. There are only five years remaining to meet these goals and although we have seen some incredible progress, there is still so much more which needs to be done. We fear that it is the poorest and most vulnerable throughout the world who still endure a life lacking their basic rights to survival and education. Without a change in approach towards achieving the MDGs, we fear that nothing will change for these people. As ever, our greatest concern is for children and the widespread abuse of their rights. MDG 1 - Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger Millions of children are still suffering from extreme poverty and hunger. Those who are in extended family care, institutions, prisons or on the streets are suffering from the MDG 2 - Achieve universal primary education MDG 3 - Promote gender equality and empower women Young married girls and children in extended family care, prison or work are still being excluded from even a basic education. Children continue to be driven from school by the violence they face from teachers and other students. MDG 4 - Reduce child mortality rate Many children, particularly girls, continue to suffer from routine neglect, often resulting in early death. Resigning many children to institutions has also served to make millions of young children more vulnerable to an early death. MDG 5 - Improve maternal health MDG 6 - Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases Sexual abuse in families and early marriage are big contributing factors towards the spread of HIV/AIDS. Young mothers are the most at risk of maternal and child mortality and the stigma and discrimination they face prevent many children from If you feel the same way we do and believe that we need to ensure that we meet the MDGs by 2015, find out how you can make a stand here >> To find out more about the MDGs, please visit the UN website >> To find out more about how the widespread abuse of child rights is hindering progress against these MDGs, please read the report Protect for the future >>...