UNICEF urges to put children’s needs first in tackling the current crisis in Sri Lanka

Article 3(1) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) states that: “ln all actions concerning children the best interest of the child shall be a primary consideration.”

This simply means that when adults make decisions, they should think about how their decisions will affect children. All adults should do what is best for children; not what is best for themselves. Adults include parents, caregivers and Government decision-makers.

The CRC adopted on 20 November 1989 is an important agreement by countries who have promised to protect children’s rights. Sri Lanka was among the first countries to sign the CRC in 1990 and ratified it in 1991.

In partnership with UNICEF, the Government of Sri Lanka has over the years made significant strides in improving the health, education and protection of children across the island; from achieving Universal Child Immunisation (1989), to establishing the National Child Protection Authority (1998) to providing decades of crucial relief in the wake of devastating conflict and natural disasters.

But now we face a crisis that risks taking a significant toll on children.

Although the exact impact of the current crisis on children is yet to be established, like in any crises, children are often the worst affected when access to adequate food, education, health and protection services are disrupted.

17-year-old Jithmini recently told UNICEF: “My school in Colombo had to close before the end of the term. I was not able to go to school because there was no fuel. I am worried about what will happen next. I just need fuel for my school van.”

12-year-old Senuni added: “My little sister cries in the night because it is too hot. No electricity and no generator. Even I can’t sleep peacefully. We all wake up tired in the morning and feel sick all day.”

Distressing testimonies from children continue to come in as the crisis takes its toll on their schools, health centres and their access to nutritious food. This is even more worrying in a country where poverty has been aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the recent Multidimensional Poverty in Sri Lanka, more than four out of every 10 (42.2%) children under the age of five lack at least two basic rights.

The combined burden of poverty, COVID-19 and the current crisis disproportionately affects children, especially the most vulnerable girls and boys, with far reaching consequences for the future of Sri Lanka.

As the Government of Sri Lanka and partners work to resolve the current crises, the needs of children must come first and their right to education, health, food and protection safeguarded.

UNICEF is recommending the following to ensure children do not bear the brunt of the crisis:

Firstly, when making decisions on children, they must be listened to and their views taken seriously. The responsibility falls on the Government and all adults to give children the opportunity to meaningfully voice their own concerns and participate in matters that affect their futures. In doing so, children must not be manipulated and all fundamental guarantees for the protection of children must remain applicable, at all times.

Protect the education of children to avoid further learning losses. COVID-19 has already wreaked havoc on the schooling of children globally, including here in Sri Lanka.  Sri Lanka was among the countries with the longest school closures experienced in the world. The disruption caused by the pandemic has resulted in widening inequalities and learning losses that threaten to reverse and in the worst case, completely erase the gains made over the past decades.  

With the current power-cuts in the country, home-based online learning is even more difficult for children and adolescents. Even before the pandemic, the most marginalised children were being left behind. It is therefore crucial that the Government of Sri Lanka prioritises the continued operation of schools for in-person learning.

Cushion social protection systems on which the most vulnerable depend, including the voucher for pregnant and lactating mothers. For many such women, the voucher is a lifeline, enabling them to afford some of their basic needs. This, together with continuous maternity services and provision of vitamin supplements for children between 6 -24 months, are crucial to prevent another crisis among these vulnerable groups.

Guarantee access to all other essential services for children, including health and clean water. Reported shortages of essential medicines should concern all of us. Water taps could as well run dry due to lack of electricity or fuel for pumps. Communities often turn to unsafe water sources when clean water is unavailable, making them susceptible to common diseases. Coupled with a shortage of medicines, this can be a recipe for disaster for Sri Lanka’s children.

As the situation evolves, it is crucial that Government efforts include closely monitoring the impact on Sri Lanka’s youngest citizens — the future of the country, but currently the most vulnerable.

Sri Lanka has demonstrated a good example in tackling complex crises before, including most recently the COVID-19 pandemic.  UNICEF firmly believes that Sri Lanka can turn things around by investing where it matters most – in safeguarding the rights of its children.  

Now is the time.