UNICEF USA honors Congressional leaders for championing children’s rights on World Children’s Day

NEW YORK (November 22, 2024) - At a World Children's Day event on Capitol Hill this week, UNICEF USA honored Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA), Representative Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Representative Ann Wagner (R-MO) for their leadership in supporting policies to improve outcomes for children around the world.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, youth advocates and representatives from UNICEF USA's National Youth Council and NextGen network, and UNICEF USA Ambassador Aria Mia Loberti joined the event, urging honorees and participants to celebrate progress while doubling down on efforts to keep children's needs at the top of policy agendas as the 119th Congress is set to begin in January.

Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA), who leaves Congress after the end of this year and has served as Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, was honored for her decades-long fight to support maternal and child health, including her legacy of leadership in spearheading the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has saved more than 25 million lives around the world. "Supporting children has always been a bipartisan issue," said Representative Lee. "When we're talking about children orphaned by HIV and AIDS or facing risks from cluster bombs or landmines, or simply trapped in a cycle of poverty, they all need UNICEF. They need us to raise our voices. We need to fight to make sure that our own country is on the right side of history. That means standing with children all of the time and continuing to be ambassadors for all children," she said.

House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), a longstanding champion of efforts designed to improve the health and wellbeing of children, was also honored for his commitment to supporting critical global nutrition programs that have saved millions of lives. "On this World Children's Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where all children-no matter where they are born-can live free from hunger, violence, and exploitation. I was honored to accept this award from UNICEF, an organization that truly puts that goal into practice. This is not a Republican/Democrat issue; it's a human issue. Children are the foundation for our future, and together, we can ensure they have every chance to succeed."

Representative Ann Wagner (R-MO), who currently serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, was recognized for her efforts to prioritize policies that emphasize child protection so that children have opportunities to thrive and prosper in the long term. She recently co-led the Central American Women and Children Act to protect women and children in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador from domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. "I am committed to working to prevent violence against women and children. I look forward to continuing our work together to promote the dignity of all children. Our fight for the most vulnerable, to give voice to the voiceless, to serve causes greater than oneself will continue."

"I can think of no greater mission and responsibility than that of uplifting children's rights and ensuring they have opportunities today and throughout their lives," said Loberti. "It is an inspiration to be among so many partners who care deeply, and take action, to support this mission."

"The State of the World's Children Report 2024 lays out the urgency of what we're facing. The megatrends shaping our world -- demographic changes, the climate crisis, and the rapid advancement of technology -- are already affecting children's lives. These aren't just challenges we'll face someday. They're impacting children now, and if we don't act, they'll only grow worse. But with these challenges come opportunities. Opportunities to change the course and give children a chance to thrive," said David, a UNICEF USA National Youth Council member. "UNICEF offers a clear path forward with three recommendations: Invest in education, confront the climate crisis, and create a safe and equitable digital world. These recommendations are not just strategies, but they're also a call for action that would define the future of millions of children around the world."

UNICEF USA National Youth Council member Aanya said, "When leaders and policymakers take that bold step to listen to young people, they aren't just investing in our voices, they are investing in solutions that work for a world in which every child's rights are respected, protected and celebrated. We have the power to invest in the most valuable resource this world has: our children. This vision isn't just possible, it's within our grasp. I invite you to consider these questions: How can we secure a world where the rights of every child are realized? A world where all children survive, thrive and meet their full potential? How can we all strive to be relentless?"

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ABOUT UNICEF USA

UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world's most vulnerable children. Together, we are working toward a world that upholds the rights of all children and helps every child thrive. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

For more information please contact:
Jenna Buraczenski, UNICEF USA, (917) 720-1432, [email protected]

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