Rural-Kenya World Cultural Link (CULINKE) recognises the importance of international co-operation for establishing and implementing the rights, and improving the living conditions of children in every country, particularly in the developing countries. It is committed to the principle that in all actions concerning children, the best interests of the child should be the primary consideration.

 

Rural-Kenya World Cultural Link (CULINKE) believes that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is correct in emphasising the responsibilities, rights and duties of parents, or, where applicable, the members of the extended family or the community, to provide the direction and guidance which enable the child to exercise the rights recognised in the Convention. It further believes the Convention is correct in laying duties on the State and therefore urges the governments of all countries to ratify and implement the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

 

In recognising the rights of the child as paramount, Rural-Kenya World Cultural Link (CULINKE) has particular concern for the rights of the girl child. It fully supports the statements contained in the Platform for Action, adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women, in Beijing, in 1995 and in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

 

Rural-Kenya World Cultural Link (CULINKE) is concerned about all forms of discrimination against girls, including harmful attitudes and traditional practices, sexual exploitation and abuse which define her gender as second class within the family and society. It urges governments to fulfill their commitment to international conventions, treaties and agreements relating to the girl child, ensuring access to education and training and the realisation of her full potential.