Many adults are only paying 'lip service' when they say that children are the wealth of a nation and need to be protected. Yes, children are indeed the wealth of any nation because they are the future. But they have to be protected not only because of this fact, but also because they are so innocent, helpless and trusting. All adults are duty bound to love, protect and care for them.

Children may seem the least significant segment of society because they do not have to shoulder the burden of adult responsibilities (unless of course they are forced to do so through poverty and negligence.) But this does not mean they are to be neglected and not taken into consideration when making decisions for social development and welfare. Their voices have to be heard. It is imperative that decision makers take all measures to transform their spoken word; various pledges to implement child protection laws and welfare programmes, into the written word and make them a reality. Because, despite the existing child protection laws, the numerous child benefit schemes and projects, children continue to be exposed to many dangers today.

The stories of children being abducted, abandoned, abused and even murdered have been reported in alarming propotions these days in the print and electronic media.

More and more children are being exposed to the danger of being caught up in a world of drugs, immorality and crime due to negligence and lack of vigilance by both parents or caregivers and law makers.

But, is it only parents and law makers who are duty bound to protect children? No. It is the responsibility of all adults because children look up to them to do so. No matter if they are black or white, rich or poor, able or differently-abled, children must be treated equally. In fact, it is their RIGHT.

All children have a right to life, name and nationality, a family, freedom of expression, privacy, access to information, protection, social security, education and healthcare.

If we pledged to provide these basic rights, then we have to honour our pledges. Each and every one of us, as a family, as a society, as a nation and as the universe must act in the best interest of the child.

Let's raise our voices in union against child abuse, child molestation, child labour and everything that casts a dark shadow over their innocent, carefree and joyful world.

Millions of children around the world are dying of hunger, are living on the streets, working in hazardous conditions, are being abused by the very adults they love and trust, are pushed into crime and forced to carry out morally degrading acts. What are we doing about it? If we as adults cannot ensure their welfare and safety we don't deserve to be called their 'guardians' as adults.

Every one of us was once a child and should we stand back and watch someone being robbed of the happy childhood we so cherished?

Think about it, seriously.