[child-rights] UNICEF launches public service campaign

UNICEF Press release

New Broadcast Announcements Underscore the Need to Defend the Basic Rights
of All Children

NEW YORK, 28 May 2004 – UNICEF today announced the creation of a new
series of public service announcements highlighting the fundamental rights
of children to health care, education, equality and protection.

“These powerful new television spots underscore UNICEF’s commitment to
protect and defend the rights of children to such essential things as
equality, good health, basic education and protection from abuse, violence
and exploitation,” UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy said.

The spots, to be made available to broadcasters worldwide, are narrated by
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors Vanessa Redgrave in English, Angélique Kidjo
in French and Shakira in Spanish. Arabic versions are also available.

“By airing these important announcements, broadcasters can join the
campaign to ensure that the world is not only aware of the rights of
children everywhere but does everything possible to guarantee them,”
Bellamy said. “We hope that these spots inspire people to take action and
improve the lives of children.”

Four of the public service spots focus specifically on health, education,
equality and protection. A fifth is a compilation of images of children
who have benefitted from the many programs UNICEF sponsors around the
world. The background music is by French composer Arno Elias.

All of the announcements should raise awareness of the fact that when
children are denied their basic rights, their survival and well-being now
and in the future are severely threatened, Bellamy said.

 “By denying children their most basic rights, we are depriving them of
the childhood and future they deserve,” Bellamy said.

* * * *

To see the PSA clips, we invite you to visit:
http://www.unicef.org/videoaudio/video_21066.html

For further information, please contact:
Kate Donovan, UNICEF New York, 212 326 7452


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