Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Dr. Yusuf Abdulkarim Bucheeri, delivered a statement on behalf of the GCC countries, in the context of the annual meeting on the rights of the child within the 46th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, which was held on March 1, 2021.

The ambassador emphasized keen interest of the GCC countries in protecting and promoting Child’s rights at all levels, in line with the international legislation and conventions in this regard which the GCC states have joined. 

He asserted firm commitment of the GCC member states to all international standards adopted in this context.

He pointed out that based on considering child protection as one of the unwavering principles agreed upon by all the GCC countries, the GCC Secretariat General has recently, with the support of their member states, allocated a special day to the children of the Gulf to be observed on January 15 every year. "Gulf Children's Day" represents an opportunity to reaffirm the continuation of GCC countries towards further strengthening the protection of this important segment of society, he said. He added various events, programmes and educational campaigns are organised with the aim of spreading awareness of the importance of childcare.

He also pointed out the unprecedented challenges facing children nowadays in view of the growing threats posed by COVID-19, which create various issues that put children's rights at risk.

He called for concerted efforts to take measures to reduce the suffering of children who are disproportionately affected by these circumstances, given that what children go through during this stage may leave severe and lasting effects.

He also called, on behalf of the GCC countries to enhance efforts to build a network of protective measures for children and alleviate the current conditions, especially at the psychological level. 

He urged to proceed with achieving the well-being of children by promoting development programmes that focus on providing a standard of living suitable for children's physical, mental and psychological development. 

He also pointed out the importance of paying attention to children with special needs.