CHP's Karaca calls for 'school meals': 'We must implement it'

Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and CHP Denizli MP Gülizar Biçer Karaca issued a written statement on the occasion of November 20, World Children's Day.

In her statement, Karaca noted the following:

CALL FOR A SOCIAL STATE

“In the 100th year of the Republic, we cannot accept an approach that deems hunger and poverty acceptable for children, to whom Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk gifted a holiday he held in such high regard. We adults have a duty to future generations to end poverty and create a world that offers children the right to live in a healthy environment. Now more than ever, there is a need for a social state that prioritizes the best interests of children in order to develop a holistic Child Rights policy.

CHILD POVERTY

According to data from the TÜRK-İŞ October 2023 hunger and poverty threshold research, the hunger threshold for a family of four has increased by 84.37 percent in the last year. The increase was 83.47 percent for children in the 4-6 age group and 83.55 percent for the 15-19 age group. According to 2018-2021 data, Turkey ranks 2nd among OECD countries in poverty for the 0-17 age group. As the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, we must respond to the Deep Poverty Network's call for policymakers to take action in this regard. In a declaration of support signed by 84 organizations, including the WHO, WFP, UNESCO, and UNICEF, the following commitments were made: To support governments in developing and implementing national plans to restore access to integrated school meal programs for children in countries most vulnerable to poverty and climate change, and to reach countries that do not yet have such programs; to develop collaborative approaches by strengthening the quality of programs; to support the establishment and work of the coalition's initiatives, including a research consortium, a sustainable financing initiative, and initiatives related to best practices and monitoring; and to work in cooperation with all stakeholders at sectoral, regional, national, and sub-national levels to achieve these goals.

"WE MUST JOIN THE SCHOOL MEALS COALITION"

We must implement a one-meal nutrition program in schools and join the School Meals Coalition. Let us build a more livable environment for children and together with children. As responsible adults and politicians, let us do our part in cooperation. On this November 20, World Children's Day, let us take a step worthy of the 100th anniversary of the Republic and implement a one-meal nutrition program for children in schools. A Turkey where no child goes to bed hungry is possible. A Turkey where no child is left behind is possible.”

News Source: 12punto