Mother Nation Margaret Kenyatta commends UNICEF's role in protecting human rights

Mother nation Ms. Margaret Kenyatta has praised the role played by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in strengthening and promoting children's rights around the world.

Reflecting on the long history of the United Nations, Mother Nation said UNICEF over the decades has improved the lives of millions of children around the world.

"Reflecting on the UNICEF mission since 1946, changing the lives of millions of children, saving and protecting their rights, makes us happy to be a part of that success," said Mother Nation.

Bi. Margaret Kenyatta made the remarks on Friday in Nairobi in a message via videotape, during the UNICEF's 75th anniversary and the organization's 50th anniversary in the country.

Mother Nation pointed out that UNICEF's contribution to protecting young girls against degrading practices such as FGM FGM, and early marriage, is in line with Kenya's commitment to eradicate any form of sexual violence by 2026.

He said UNICEF's contribution to improving human life has helped to achieve important goals for children such as eradicating polio, providing humanitarian assistance as well as basic education.

Speaking at the event, Chief Justice Martha Koome, said the judiciary had prioritized the issue of protecting the rights of children in the country while lamenting that, despite the country having a strong legal system, children in the country are increasingly being abused due to the implementation gap.

UNICEF Representative in the country, Maniza Zaman said her organization has made significant contributions to the development of children in the country and cited a 57 percent reduction in the number of children under the age of 5 between 1990 and 2020.