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European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR)
News article19 November 2021Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations1 min read

World Children's Day: Joint Statement by the European Commission and the High Representative

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Ahead of World Children's Day on 20 November, the European Commission and the High Representative made the following statement: “Today, the world is home to the largest generation of young people in history. Sadly, millions of children in the world, including 18 million in the EU, still live in poverty or social exclusion. Many more are at risk, as children continue to be the first to suffer from the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Every child should enjoy the same rights and live free from discrimination and intimidation of any kind. European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has called for 2022 to be designated European Year of Youth, to support and engage with children and young people, and ensure that their concerns and needs are at the heart of EU policymaking. We must invest in the present and future of all children. It is our responsibility and we will leave no child behind.” See the full joint statement here.

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