Children at Unicef's Holl-Holl refugee camp in Djibouti. Courtesy Unicef
Children at Unicef's Holl-Holl refugee camp in Djibouti. Courtesy Unicef

World Children's Day is a reminder of our promise to the young and vulnerable



In 1989, the Berlin Wall fell, apartheid was coming to an end in South Africa and the first commercial internet providers paved the way for our digital future – unwittingly opening up, for the truly nefarious, a whole new means to target the young and vulnerable. It is significant, then, that 1989 also marks the year that the Convention on the Rights of the Child was first conceived, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and signed by 196 countries. The world’s leaders gathered to acknowledge the importance of the right of every child to “grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding”. They also recognised the need for children to live an independent and fulfilled life, with “special safeguards and care”, as well as legal protection.

Those born that year have long since grown up but tragically, the world has not outgrown the need to remember and respect its pledge to protect its young, millions of whom are still being failed on a daily basis. Twenty-nine years on, as we mark World Children's Day tomorrow, it is worth recalling the wording of that promise to make every child feel safe and loved, with access to clean water, an education and a voice. It is to the world's shame that there are 262 million children not in school, 650 million girls who married before they turned 18, and that last year 5.4 million died from preventable diseases before their fifth birthday. Indeed, in our modern age, there are now even more ways children can be targeted and exploited, such as online grooming. As the risk increases, so should our ability to protect them from these dangers.

We can all do something to change the fate of children, whether it is sponsoring their education, being vigilant in terms of their welfare, giving direct aid where it is needed or supporting institutions and charities that do so on our behalf. Unicef will be marking the day by reminding world leaders of their obligations to protect young people, and giving children a platform to air their concerns. We should all take a moment to listen. Doing so could change their lives.

German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

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RESULTS

2.15pm: Al Marwan Group Holding – Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
Winner: SS Jalmod, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)

2.45pm: Sharjah Equine Hospital – Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner: Ghallieah, Sebastien Martino, Jean-Claude Pecout

3.15pm: Al Marwan Group Holding – Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: Inthar, Saif Al Balushi, Khalifa Al Neyadi

3.45pm: Al Ain Stud Emirates Breeders Trophy – Conditions (PA) Dh50,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: MH Rahal, Richard Mullen, Elise Jeanne

4.25pm: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Cup – Prestige Handicap (PA) Dh100,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: JAP Aneed, Ray Dawson, Irfan Ellahi

4.45pm: Sharjah Equine Hospital – Handicap (TB) Dh40,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Edaraat, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi

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Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia