Solomon Islands proudly celebrated International Children’s Day alongside the 30th Anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), reaffirming the nation’s commitment to ensuring every child enjoys their full rights, protection, and opportunities to thrive.
Celebrated at the Lawson Tama Multi-Purpose Hall on the 11th November, the event gathered children, government leaders, NGOs, faith-based organizations, development partners, and community representatives under the national theme: “Listen to the Future – For every child, every right.”
In her keynote address, the Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Hon. Cathy Nori emphasized that the CRC remains a guiding force in shaping national efforts to safeguard and empower children.
She acknowledged significant national achievements, including:
• The Child and Family Welfare Act 2017, strengthening mechanisms to prevent and respond to child abuse;
• The Family Protection Act 2014, ensuring safety for children and families experiencing domestic violence;
• The National Children’s Policy 2023–2028, offering a strategic roadmap for child rights and wellbeing; and
• Ongoing progress in key sectors such as health, education, justice, policing, and social welfare.
“These achievements reflect our collective commitment. Children are the heart of our communities and the future of our nation. To listen to the future means listening to the voices, hopes, and dreams of our children and turning them into meaningful action,” emphasised Minister Nori.
Despite progress, the Minister highlighted ongoing challenges faced by many children including barriers to education, violence, exploitation, early marriage, child labour, and the impacts of climate change. She called for stronger coordination, adequate resourcing, and strengthened partnership across all sectors to ensure the full realization of children’s rights.
A key feature of the celebration was the ‘Children’s Forum’, where children expressed their views, aspirations, and concerns, in line with the CRC’s principle of child participation. Performances from schools, awareness activities, and stakeholder exhibitions reinforced the message that children’s voices matter and must be included in national decision-making.
The Ministry acknowledged the continued partnership of UNICEF, Save the Children, World Vision, Child Fund, Plan International, churches, provincial governments, and community-based organizations who support child-focused initiatives nationwide.
International Children’s Day 2025 marked not only a celebration but a national commitment to accelerate action for children’s rights in the next decade.
“Together, we can build a Solomon Islands where every child is safe, valued, protected, and given every opportunity to reach their fullest potential,” Minister Nori affirmed.
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[MWYCFA Press]
