Pag-lockdown sa mga bata, bawal — UNICEF

ni Ronalyn Seminiano Reonico | March 20, 2021

Pinalagan ng United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) ang pagbabawal sa mga menor-de-edad na lumabas ng bahay sa loob ng dalawang linggo dahil sa paglobo ng kaso ng COVID-19 at maituturing daw itong paglabag sa karapatan ng mga bata.

Pahayag ng UN agency, "UNICEF acknowledges the efforts put in place by the Government of the Philippines to control the recent surge in COVID-19 infections.

"However, the recent decision of the Metro Manila Council (MMC), through the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, to explicitly prohibit minors from going outside for a period of two weeks, in a bid to contain the transmission of the virus in the metropolis, can be considered an infringement of children’s rights.”

Saad pa ng UNICEF, “[The Metro Manila Council and MMDA] should respond to the best interest of the child; should not cause further harm; and should always consider the preservation of the child’s wellbeing and dignity.

“As the pandemic enters its second year, the impact on children and young people’s psycho-social wellbeing and mental health risks is taking a toll.”

Bawal lumabas ng bahay ang mga menor-de-edad sa National Capital Region (NCR) simula noong Miyerkules dahil sa pagtaas ng kaso ng COVID-19 sa bansa.

Ayon sa UNICEF, ang ganitong paghihigpit ay paglabag sa karapatan ng mga bata ngunit una nang sinabi ng MMC na maaaring maging spreader ng virus ang mga bata.