Madam Deputy Speaker, once more we have entered a period in which we are reminded daily that our children are under siege. They are victims of phantom criminals, of family violence and sexual abuse. It is a matter of urgency that we share the collective responsibility of ensuring that their right to be protected is fiercely guarded.
Unicef reports that there are 246 million children engaged in exploitative child labour; 140 million children who have never been to school; 300 000 soldiers, and some child soldiers are as young as eight years old. Since 1994, the ANC-led government has made significant progress in realising children's rights. These include the ratification of numerous international instruments dealing with the protection of children's rights.
The ANC takes a rights-based approach to children, which implies the acknowledgment and honouring of the full scope of their rights, namely political, social and economic. That must be promoted and protected to achieve the wellbeing of all children.
We believe it is only by locating children firmly within the national, social and economic development framework that we can address children's concerns in a comprehensive and holistic way. The ANC calls on all South Africans to take responsibility for providing a supportive environment in which children can fully enjoy their rights. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. [Time expired.]
Hon Madam Deputy Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I just want to know whether it is parliamentary that when you have served in Parliament for 30 years you have the authority to put on a hat. [Laughter.]