After many years taking part in UNICEF activities, Belgium’s Crown Princess Mathilde finally became its honorary president. She made her first appearance as patron of UNICEF Belgium today in Brussels. 
Since 2001, Mathilde has been involved in the United Nation’s organization which focuses on children. She became its special representative in May 2005. She has been all over the world on behalf of UNICEF, going to places such as Senegal and Tanzania. Now she has received its highest honor on Belgian soil.
Today, the Crown Princess took part in the presentation of the Belgian UNICEF report on children, based on the UN’s Committee for Children’s Rights. She said that the Convention on the Rights of the Child which the international community endowed twenty years ago is “a step forward for millions of children around the world.
But she said: “This does not, however, changes what is missing from the application of the Convention. Today, twenty-four thousand children under 5 years die every day from disease and deprivation. ”
“If we really want to build a world fit for children as it was decided to during the Special Session of the United Nations on children,” Crown Princess Mathilde once said. “Then we must now devote much more attention to children and respect their rights. To do this, we must focus our efforts on children in need, those whose rights are violated at home as in developing countries. I want to give voice to these vulnerable children.”
Christian Wiener, President of UNICEF Belgium, welcomed the appointment of Mathilde by the board: “I am satisfied with the commitment that she, Princess Mathilde will continue to work hard for well-being of children and be together with us, make a difference and build a world fit for children.”
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