Title
Recognizing November 20th as World Children’s Day and pledging the City of Saint Paul's commitment to the future of its youngest residents
Body
WHEREAS World Children’s Day is celebrated globally on November 20th each year, focusing attention on the issues and needs of children; and
WHEREAS this day marks the anniversary when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Children, which defines children’s rights to food, health care, education, and protection from exploitation; and
WHEREAS the City of Saint Paul deeply values its children and strives to ensure all its children are safe, healthy and have opportunities to succeed; and
WHEREAS the City of Saint Paul demonstrates these values through the CollegeBound Saint Paul program, excellent programming through our Parks and Libraries, and summer jobs and internships through Right Track; and
WHEREAS, despite these values, the City acknowledges that many children in Saint Paul face unacceptable challenges such as poverty, homelessness, abuse, neglect, and lack of access to health care and early childhood education; and
WHEREAS children and youth in Saint Paul have faced even more challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including disruptions in early care and education, negative academic growth, deepened inequities, increased challenges to mental health and more; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the City of Saint Paul recognizes November 20th as World Children’s Day in Saint Paul; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Saint Paul recognizes the inherent rights of children and commits to prioritizing their needs so that Saint Paul's children can reach their full potential