POPE CALLS FOR APPLICATION OF U.N. CONVENTION ON CHILDREN

VATICAN CITY, 5 JUN 2009 (VIS) - Benedict XVI has sent a telegram, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., to the International Catholic Child Bureau (BICE) to mark a "worldwide call for a new mobilisation on behalf of children" launched from the United Nations in Geneva.

"Twenty year after its ratification", reads the telegram referring to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, "there is an urgent need for it to be implemented to the full". This is even more necessary "given the new challenges" facing the modern world, says the text which was read out in Geneva by Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi C.S., Holy See permanent observer to the United Nations there.

In his telegram the Holy Father also emphasises the importance of "respecting the inviolable dignity and rights of children, ... of recognising the fundamental educational mission of the family" and of "a stable social environment capable of favouring the physical, cultural and moral development of all children".

In closing his Message, the Pope encourages Catholic organisations to continue, like many other NGOs, "to work generously for a correct application of the Convention, and for the construction of a future of hope, security and happiness for the children of our world".

MESS/CONVENTION RIGHTS CHILD/BERTONE VIS 20090605 (220)