Mizzi calls for UN children's rights convention to be binding across the EU

Labour MEP Marlene Mizzi called for the EU to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, making children's rights a binding obligation across the Union. 

"I am asking the Commission and High representative to ratify the Convention on behalf of the EU so that children’s’ rights become  binding obligations in every piece of European legislation, and that EU rules are "directly" linked with the compliance of this Convention, which must become a binding document for every human being and every nation," said Mizzi, during a debate in the European Parliament on the 25th anniversary of the UN Convention.

Mizzi stated that 25 years after signing the Convention, children's rights continue to be dishonoured in many parts of the world and that millions of children remain victims of cyberbullying, trafficking, sexual exploitation, social exclusion and discrimination among many others.

Mizzi highlighted that much more needs to be done to address children´s needs and to make the vision of the Convention a reality for all children around the world.

She also called for a holistic approach in Europe keeping the best interests of the child at heart, combating all forms of violence, discrimination and stereotypes against children, so they can fully enjoy their human rights.