Eastern Caribbean children promote rights in UNICEF video competition

No holds were barred when children from across the Eastern Caribbean affirmed their rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child through video for the One Minute for My Rights competition.

Hailing from 12 countries and territories, the over five-dozen children submitted creative, expressive and thought-provoking one-minute videos addressing their right to dignity and a fair chance, climate action, protection from violence, education, and participation. Points were awarded for creativity, content and technical organisation.

The competition, open to children 12-17 years old, was consistent with Article 13 of the Convention, which upholds their right to express themselves in meaningful ways.

Jaeda Ar-Razi, 16, from Trinidad and Tobago, placed first in the competition with a video calling for every child to have access to supportive and quality education despite their socioeconomic status. Her prize was an iPhone 12.

"Inclusive education opens gateways for all children to develop and prosper for themselves and their communities. After all, we have the keys to global resolution." — Jaeda Ar-Razi

Second place went to Rayden Rampersad, also 16, from Trinidad and Tobago, and Maria Marshall, 14, from Barbados, was third. Rayden and Maria won an iPad and a laptop, respectively.

UNICEF Representative for the Eastern Caribbean Pieter Bult explained that the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the most widely ratified human rights treaty, demands that all countries respect the rights of each child “without discrimination.”

During a live video to announce the winners, he said too many children still do not enjoy their rights, and the competition was an exciting way to keep critical issues on the agenda.

“Each of you has the right to, for example, education, to access healthcare, to live in a clean and safe environment and to be protected from all kinds of violence,” said Mr Bult.

He added: “So as we move forward, let’s not take child rights for granted. Let’s do everything we can to work together to make sure no child is left behind in realising their rights enshrined in this document.