Statement by: Rob Mitchell MP, Member of Australian Parliament
As delivered

In 2023, we mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the milestone blueprint for an equitable, just and peaceful world. Human rights are inherent, inalienable and universal, and underpin the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its promise to 'leave no one behind'.

But for children across the globe, 2023 was a year fraught with difficult challenges and intractable crises. Violations of children's rights continue to be widespread, driven by entrenched gender inequality, poverty, displacement, and lack of access to a quality education. Australia is deeply concerned about the sale and sexual exploitation of children, violence against children both online and offline and the global discrimination of girls and adolescents.

Around the world, millions of children are denied the opportunity to reach their potential for no reason other than their gender. Girls, in particular, experience multiple, and often intersecting forms of discrimination. Girls continue to face early forced early marriage, gender-based violence and limited access to reproductive health services, and quality education, including comprehensive sexuality education.  Each year, 12 million girls are married before the age of 18.

We note with concern the Secretary-General's report on the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on girls, including adolescent girls. The ongoing effects of the pandemic have reversed progress in all spheres of girls' lives including freedom from violence and discrimination, health and education.

All regions of the world have a responsibility to ensure and expand children's opportunities in life. A new school year recently started in many parts of the world. Yet, UNESCO estimates that 250 million children will remain out of school, with girls and children with disabilities disproportionately represented.

Education is a catalyst for development and a powerful driver for reducing poverty and building strong, inclusive and resilient societies. Education is also a protective factor in creating a safe space for children, and improving their health and nutrition outcomes – with generational benefits.

Every day, children in all regions and on every continent learn, connect, play and express themselves in the digital environment. It is therefore critical their human rights are promoted and protected online, as well as offline.

Close collaboration amongst governments, regulators, industry, advocates, and children themselves is crucial if we are to protect children from all forms of violence in the digital environment, including cyberbullying, sexual exploitation and abuse.

As we move towards the 30th Anniversary of the Year of the Family we reaffirm that without a doubt, all families are critical in helping children to realise their full potential.

The family, in all its diversity, is an agent for sustainable development, social protection, inclusion and well-being. Supporting families is therefore an important element in promoting and protecting human rights.

Sadly, families and households can also be a source of human rights abuses, including against children.

It is essential that governments listen and respond to the voices and views of children and young people, and the views of those who care for them. Their insights are critical to promoting children's safety and wellbeing.

Ensuring the respect, protection and fulfillment of the human rights of all creates an enabling environment where children can thrive.