Creating a world that is truly fit for children does not imply simply the absence of war... It means having primary schools nearby that educate children, free of charge... It means building a world fit for children, where every child can grow to adulthood in health, peace and dignity.

Northern Uganda presents a situation of extraordinary violation of the rights of children.

You need to get up in the morning and say, 'Boy, I'm going to - in my own stupid way - save the world today.'

A century that began with children having virtually no rights is ending with children having the most powerful legal instrument that not only recognizes but protects their human rights.

What is needed now are increased efforts to promote youth participation and commitment; more services aimed at youth; more parental involvement; more education and information, using schools and other sites; more protection for girls, orphaned children and young women;and more partnerships with people with HIV and AIDS.

It's estimated that there may be two hundred and fifty million children in the world engaged in some form of exploitative child labour.

When the lives and the rights of children are at stake, there must be no silent witnesses.