05/10/2021
UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore's remarks at the European Commission High-Level Conference on the Mental Health Impact of COVID-19
https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/unicef-executive-director-henrietta-fores-remarks-european-commission-high-level
NEW YORK, 10 May 2021, , –, "Commissioner Kyriakides, colleagues, honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen. "UNICEF commends the EU’s leadership on mental health and children’s rights. Including its recent adoption of the strategy on the rights of the child and the child guarantee — both of which include a focus on mental health. "These milestones — like this discussion — are…, on three key areas of work, . "First —, work with us to develop “intervention packages” for mental health, . This could include home-based solutions like parenting programmes … school-based initiatives, like safe spaces and teacher training … and putting mental health support, like counselling, at the heart of local health and social systems. "Second —, continue lending your voice and advocacy to the mental health needs of children and young people living through humanitarian situations, . From children on the move as migrants or refugees in Europe … to those living in conflict situations in Yemen, Syria, South Sudan, or so many other places. We need Europe’s help to continue gathering global support and funding around the needs of these children and families who have endured so much. Help us champion these needs in the halls of…, share your experiences and best practices not only with one another, but with countries around the world, . Europe is home to some excellent models of mental health programming and support — including initiatives that directly involve young people. "As you strengthen these programmes at home, they can inspire other countries as they seek to better support the mental health of their youngest citizens. "Throughout, you can count on UNICEF’s support. "…
