Suffolk Proclaims Nov. 20 as Day of the Child

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone on Thursday joined Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory, Legislator Monica Martinez, Assemblyman Phil Ramos, Senator Phil Boyle, members of the Human Rights Commission, and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Director and Senior Advisor Dr. Nicholas K. Alipui to officially proclaim November 20th as the Suffolk County Day of the Child to raise awareness on children’s welfare issues. The proclamation coincides with the 25th anniversary of the United Nations’ adoption of a groundbreaking charter called the “Convention on the Rights of the Child” which is the world’s most rapidly ratified human rights treaty in history.

“Suffolk County is committed to protecting the human rights and dignity of our children and ensuring we provide them with a safe and healthy environment,” said County Executive Steve Bellone. “We are honored to join the global community today in promoting awareness on the challenges we must overcome to improve the welfare of children worldwide.”

Last month, County Executive Bellone signed historic human rights legislation for Suffolk County which significantly expanded the human rights protections for families, mothers and victims of domestic violence. Employers will now be prohibited for discriminating against nursing and pregnant women and will no longer be permitted to discriminate against employees with children and familial responsibilities.

President Officer Legislator DuWayne Gregory added, “We will continue to do our part to advance human rights here in Suffolk County and I want thank the Human Rights Commission for their tremendous advocacy and leadership on this issue.”

To commemorate the special day, the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission organized a public forum entitled “Children: Protecting Our Future” at Suffolk Community College in Brentwood. The panel presentations and sponsors included members of Parents for Megan’s Law, Domestic Harmony Foundation, Conflict Resolution Specialists, the Suffolk County Police Department, Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence, North Shore LIF, Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center as well as a special keynote address from UNICEF’s Dr. Alipui.

Legislator Monica Martinez commented, “Our children are our future and we as government and community leaders must do everything we can to ensure their dignity and rights are preserved.”

Assemblyman Phil Ramos noted, “It is important to take a moment and recognize the injustice many children face throughout the world and to raise awareness about those challenges locally.”

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