Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 12, 1996

Release #269-96

Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958

MAYOR GIULIANI PROCLAIMS DAY OF AFRICAN CHILD
Mayor Working with UNICEF to Recognize Needs of African Children

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani proclaimed Monday, June 17, 1996, Day of the African Child to commemorate the 1976 massacre of Sowetan (South Africa) schoolchildren who attempted to speak out against apartheid. The Mayor presented the proclamation to Nancy Sharp of the U.S. Committee for UNICEF. Also in attendance were New York City school students who are studying about Africa.

“In many African nations, children have lost their families, been forced from their homes, suffered permanent injuries, or been killed as a result of armed conflict,” the Mayor explained. “These children have lost the right to secure, safe childhoods with loving families, food to help them grow, good health, an education, and happy lives. On the Day of the African Child we celebrate all the children of Africa, who are as diverse as the children of our city and as worthy of our love, attention and respect.”

The sixth annual Day of the African Child recognizes the importance of children worldwide, and stresses the need for all advocates to work for their survival, protection, and development. This year UNICEF focused its campaign on children in armed conflict, with special attention paid to children in Africa, who unwillingly served in official and unofficial armies. UNICEF intends to combat the struggles and challenges facing these children by attempting to demobilize child soldiers, offering post-war psychological rehabilitation, and offering education to children. The goal is to focus greater attention and resources to rebuilding the futures of African children.