"The Light in Their Eyes" Melissa Fleming (UN) interviews Dr. Najat Maalla M'jid (UN Special Representative on Violence against Children) - Awake at Night: S7-E3
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00:00:43
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Summary
"You hear some strong policymakers telling us our children are our future. They are not your future. You are the past; they are the present and they are their own future."
Description
A pediatrician by training, Dr. Najat Maalla M'jid has always been dedicated to rescuing children from suffering. Now United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, she works tirelessly to protect young people around the world.
"What I learned in my life, it's the eyes. […] When you are speaking with children, when you have light in their eyes, it's still possible. When the light switches off, it's too late."
Half of the world's children are exposed to violence every year, often leaving devastating, lasting impacts on their mental health. In this episode, Najat Maalla M'jid reflects on the importance of rapid intervention in cases of violence against children and the extraordinary courage and resilience of youth.
"I was working in places where children are dying, and at the same time [they had] this courage. Telling you that, 'I know that I'm going to die tomorrow, but it's okay.' It's amazing to see these strong, courageous children. I learned a lot from them."Screen-shot photo credit: Photo ©UNICEF Ethiopia
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