The Korea Children and Youth Policy Coalition Presents the Proposal for 'Children and Youth Policy Pledges for a Happy World'

The Korea Children and Youth Policy Coalition delivered a proposal for 'Children and Youth Policy Pledges' related to the 21st National Assembly election to Kim Hye-young, Senior Advisor of the Democratic Party of Korea, as well as officials from the United Future Party, the Minsheng Party, and the Justice Party on the 19th of last month.

The proposal consists of two main themes: 'Restoring happiness to children and youth burdened by entrance exams and education' and 'Creating a healthy growth environment for children and youth and eliminating blind spots.'

The proposal includes eight major policy tasks: guaranteeing the 'right to play' for the emotional and social development of children and youth; revitalizing group activities for healthy growth and providing voucher support; introducing the 'Children and Youth Policy Impact Assessment System'; increasing the child budget to more than 2.3% of GDP; enacting the Basic Child Act to improve the status of children; allocating 1% of the youth policy budget; expanding education policies in cooperation with local communities; and establishing specialized support facilities and systems for youth in need of mental health assistance.

According to the Korea Children and Youth Policy Coalition, "Children and youth are facing serious difficulties both domestically and internationally due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has brought unprecedented challenges such as school closures," and added, "At this time when the future is unpredictable, we hope that policies for children and youth, who are the future of the nation, will be promoted as a national agenda."

Previously, the Korea Children and Youth Policy Coalition was formed with 10 representative organizations including World Vision, Green Umbrella Children's Foundation, and the Korea Youth Shelter Association, along with 136 participating organizations. Under the slogan 'Creating a Happy World for Children and Youth,' they are actively conducting various activities for children and youth.

A World Vision official stated, "We are doing our best as a private organization through projects supporting out-of-home youth, children in crisis, and Dreaming Children, but we realize that policy improvements and support are essential despite ongoing projects," and added, "It is necessary to provide multifaceted support so that vulnerable children and youth are not marginalized in national policies and can grow up healthily. We hope children can naturally enjoy their right to happiness."