KOROR (Palau Horizon) — The children have the right to be protected against the addictive elements of tobacco, Vice President Sandra Pierantozzi said in a statement made before the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Pierantozzi, who is also the health minister, said Palau is strongly advocating against the health risks nicotine addiction pose to children.
“So many children have very little opportunities for a healthy life. And yet many of us watch, sometimes with disinterest, sometimes with disdain, as our children use tobacco daily and sometimes even around us, and do nothing about it,” Pierantozzi said.
She added the world should also focus its attention not only on children exploited by the tobacco industry.
“We cry foul when children are exploited sexually or at the labor arena and yet the tobacco industry knows that nicotine is addictive and have targeted our children to exploit their sense of adventure for glamour, power, speed, and what have you and we do little, if anything at all to stop their exploitation of our children,” Pierantozzi said.
She said other countries should follow Palau’s step by supporting a strong Framework Convention on Tobacco Control that is currently being negotiated.
“My country has been advocating for a strong convention during the negotiations. I challenge your countries to do the same on behalf of all our children. They have the right to be protected and we have the obligation to protect them. We could make it one of the greatest achievements for our children in this decade of renewal of commitment and action,” the vice president said.
She noted that in Palau, youth tobacco survey indicates that 54 percent of elementary school students, 68 percent of high school students and 23 percent of high school students smoke cigarettes.
She also mentioned the country’s problems on truancy and school dropouts, teen-age pregnancies and illegal drug use in the schools.
The children’s “increasing signs of disrespect for parents and elders” are also a concern, she said.
However, Palau also has some accomplishments, Pierantozzi said.
The country ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1995. In 1998, Palau submitted its first report on its implementation to the International Committee on the Rights of the Child.
In that report, Palau said over 95 percent of all two-year-olds were immunized against preventable diseases.
Palau also has universal access to health care and potable water.
The country, moreover, is working to make Belau National Hospital a UNICEF/WHO certified hospital that promotes breastfeeding.
