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Connect the World
Behind the Scenes In Jordan's Zaatari Camp; Laureates and Leaders Gather To Solve Issues Facing Children; Summit Aims To Develop Plan For Kids On The Move. Laureates, Leaders Gather To Solve Issues Facing Children; The Critical Power Of Education; Children Of War Talking Challenges & Solutions. Aired 11-12p
Aired April 01, 2018 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:00:00] ALISON KOSIK, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: This is CNN NEWS NOW. Annual joint military drill between the U.S. and South Korea are beginning
today. The war games codenamed Foal Eagle have traditionally angered North Korea, but the drills will be shorter this year and apparent concessions to
recent diplomatic moves between Pyongyang and Seoul. Pope Francis encouraged the talks between North and South Korea during his Easter Sunday
mass. Thousands gather in the Vatican City the holiest day in Christianity. And his message of global peace, Pope Francis said he hoped
the recent discussions will benefit the Korean people.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
POPE FRANCIS, HEAD, CATHOLIC CHURCH (through translator): We implore fruits of dialogue for the Korean Peninsula. That the discussions underway
may advance harmony and peace within the region. May those who directly responsible act with wisdom and discernment to promote the good of the
Korean people and to build relationships of trust within the international community.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KOSIK: Queen Elizabeth and other members of the British Royal Family attended their annual Easter Church Service. It was held at Saint George's
Chapel in Windsor Castle and that's where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will get married in May. That's your CNN NEWS NOW, I'm Alison Kosik.
"CONNECT THE WORLD" is up next.
BECKY ANDERSON, CNN ANCHOR: Coming to you from the Dead Sea in Jordan, this CONNECT THE WORLD with me, Becky Anderson. I'm here at the Laureates
and Leaders for Children Summit with a very special show to you dedicated to children, their rights, and those fighting to protect them. That is the
goal of this gathering here, held in the patronage of Jordan's King Abdullah and bringing together some amazing voices. In a moment, I'll be
talking to Kailash Satyarthi, who is a noble Laureate and a driving force behind this gathering. Mohamad al Jounde is a Syrian refugee helping get
other kids just like him back into the classroom. And Marcus Mumford, singer, songwriter and child rights activist. But before we get to that,
lest we forget this small country of Jordan host the second largest number of refugees per capita in the world. Half of whom are children. So we
wanted to take a look at conditions on the ground at one of the biggest refugee camps here in Jordan. And there we saw first-hand a project that
is making a difference.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: Zaatari Camp in Jordan, home to some 80,000 Syrian refugees living here in the middle of what is a tragic reminder of conflict. An
oasis of hope, football pitch packed with children. So many of these kids will -- some of them would have been born here.
ALI BIN HUSSEIN, PRINCE, JORDAN: Most of the young kids are born here.
ANDERSON: All part of the project led by this man, Jordan's Prince Ali bin Hussein.
BIN HUSSEIN: The kids like any other kids in the world. And if you listen to their stories and from what they've been through, I mean, it's a miracle
that they are the way they are.
ANDERSON: Tell me about your passion for football. Are you really good at it?
BIN HUSSEIN: Excuse me. I tend to think that I was good player. Obviously when I was younger and I played as a kid.
ANDERSON: How is it that football makes a difference?
BIN HUSSEIN: Football is a universal language around the world. Everybody knows it, so it was the natural thing to start with but really it's what
people around the world like. And it's a team sports and it unites.
ANDERSON: Tell us what you know about the life and lives for some of these kids. What's their biggest challenge? What are they facing?
BIN HUSSEIN: Obviously a lot of them came just with the clothes on their bag. The majority of them, actually almost all of them that I have ever
met have lost either a parent or another sibling, cousin, and so on. So it's not normal for them but obviously, through things like programs like
football, you bring them a sense of normalcy where they actually participate. It's not that they're just sitting in classroom and so on,
they're participating together especially with traumatized kids because you know, it also helps with their social skills and their abilities just to
get along and it builds confidence as well.
[11:05:24] ANDERSON: Just how big an impact has what is happening in Syria had on Jordan's economy and Jordan's society?
BIN HUSSEIN: Well, that's -- the big issue here is we have three registered refugee camps like Zaatari and two temporary ones. But the
reality is that majority of the refugees are actually in our towns and villages and cities and that is having a big impact on the economy. But
having said that, it's -- we feel that it's our moral duty to take care of them and take care of our neighbors. They're not the first wave of
refugees that we've had in this country. But again, you know, we do all this, we always need the support of the international community in dealing
with it. At the same time, you do -- you do see a lot of parts of the world that obviously complain about a small number of refugees entering and
they should also help taking --
ANDERSON: You're talking about the west.
BIN HUSSEIN: Yes, specifically.
ANDERSON: Let's talk about the summit. How do you think we get a serious commitment for child refugees from the world as opposed to well, I think
the CEO of War Child described as these toothless statements from politicians about how conflict the problem is rather than what we should do
and can do about it.
BIN HUSSEIN: Yes, well, I think in this summit, in particular, it's not just you know, these are the leaders and Laureates and from -- and from all
backgrounds participating, but most importantly the children are participating. And we need to listen to their stories and what their hopes
and what aspirations are and come up with a concrete solution and recommendations. And to be honest, to pressure governments or in fact
sorry to say but embarrass them getting into action and helping out the kids and refugees all over the world.
CROWD: Every child matters. Every child matters.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: #EveryChildMatters is been what we are about. And I have a line of guest this hour all bringing their own unique perspective. Mohamad al
Jounde as being called the voice of a generation who knows the struggles of being a child refugee first hand. In the midst of Syria's civil war, his
family fled to Lebanon where he has helped hundreds of Syrian children get an education. He builds a school in a refugee camp with his own hands and
acted as teacher. All this when he was just 12 years old. Last year, he won the International Children's Peace Prize for his work. Here's what he
had to say upon receiving the award.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MOHAMAD AL JOUNDE, YOUTH ACTIVIST: Children at my age who are supposed to be in high school are even less likely to be in school because they have
more responsibilities like taking care financially for their parents who are often not allowed to work. We do not think one to become a lost
generation.
ANDERSON: Mohamad, is then education the single biggest issue facing kids on the move?
AL JOUNDE: For me, yes. Education is the big issue that children are facing because, without education, they basically have no life as children.
Their childhood is lost. They can't have friends, there's no safe place for them without the schools.
ANDERSON: You were just 12 years old when you set up a school and got kids like yourself an education. You're 17 now, you probably forgotten more
than the rest of us here today on the show will ever know perhaps with the (INAUDIBLE) 17 years old. Tell me just how difficult things have been for
you?
AL JOUNDE: Well, at first were difficult in the beginning when I fled Syria to Lebanon because one of the reason build a school the school
because I was out of one. I then go to Chinese school for two year because of our poor financial situation and because Baghdad, the school next at
Syrian's so that's one of the main reasons I built one. I felt like I built one for myself. Even though I didn't learn in this, I only taught
but it felt like home. And in the beginning, of course, it was hard to get to know all the children and to deal with them because I was inexperience
of this and I was 12 years old. I wasn't the same age them so it was hard for them to like follow my words or anything. And of course, the lack of
financial support back then so -- and after actually six months by the Lebanese government to make the decision to destroy the school and all the
four camps surrounding it, so this was the more areas that it's actually really hard to achieve your dreams. But after two months, luckily we
opened it again.
[11:10:45] ANDERSON: Those closest to the problem we are told are those who can provide a solution. And that is kids like you. Standby, I'm going
to come back to you. Kailash Satyarthi, you have devoted your life to protecting the rights of kids. You received the Nobel Prize alongside
(INAUDIBLE) at 2014. For your and I quote struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to an
education, the summit we are here at right now is your brainchild out of the work of your children's foundation. You're also the founder of India's
grassroots movement for the protection of kids. You've heard Mohamad talk about what he believes, his experiences of the single biggest drive for
kids on the move. What do you believe it is?
KAILASH SATYARTHI, CHILDREN'S RIGHTS ACTIVIST: First of all I would salute the (INAUDIBLE) person like him and many more in the world. Education is
definitely the key. But what I have experience in the last four or five years visiting many camps and outside the camps, the Syrian, Iraqi and
other refugees stay and struggling for their survival, we have seen a serious problem of missing child. Children are missing, means they are
being trafficked, child labor, child slavery, child marriages. These issues are also linked with that. Because many of the parents feel that
the safety for their daughters is to marry at early age, ten years, 12 years, 13 years. Many of the boys and girls are working as child laborer
and some of them have borrowed many from their employers and became slaves. Child prostitutes, our children being used for sexual purposes. So these
are other serious issues which are linked with this (INAUDIBLE). And I would say that this very blur area between migration, refugee crisis, and
trafficking is so intermingled that we cannot really segregate.
ANDERSON: And you make a really good point to how we tackle those not just single issues but multi-issues is massively important. To Marcus Mumford -
- I'll come back to you. You are the lead singer of the band Mumford and Sons in case you've forgotten which has performed a number of charity
concerts including a London show a few months ago that was an aid of War Child, an NGO working to help children in conflict and post-conflict areas.
You are an ambassador for the charity and last year you traveled to Iraq to meet children who have been living under ISIS. Like Mohamad and Kailash,
you have witnessed first-hand the consequences and risks of the conflict and the world's policies or lack thereof to provide help, and you've
written about this. Explain.
MARCUS MUMFORD, LEAD SINGER, MUMFORD AND SONS: Yes, well, it's an honor to be sitting with you Mohamad and Kailash. Thank you for having me. War
Child would see the main problems for children on the move as being safety, education, and a hope for livelihood in the future. So try and address
those three things and the practical work that War Child does with the special emphasis on psychosocial support as well. And what they do in the
field, in comfort zones I think is unique and really special working with children and their parents importantly as well to provide psychosocial
support in trying to engage young people in that. We're in Gaza last year and we're engaging younger kids easier and older girls as well but young --
the teenage boys are very difficult to engage. We have to get them from the door at the center so we're setting up football program just to get
them into focus. We all love football and we find that as a helpful tool so we're now running pilot programs in Gaza and in Central Africa Republic
which we were in a year and a half ago and the same thing there. So really those three things that we focus on.
[11:15:03] ANDERSON: All right, well, I want to take a break. But when we come back, I want to talk about how we might provide some solutions and why
a summit like this with leaders and Laureates and kids, youth activist is important because as I said earlier on, Mohamad is -- had a problem, the
problem is there. He is closest to potential solutions as well. On the shores of the Dead Sea, this is a special edition of CONNECT THE WORLD from
the Laureates and Leaders for Children Summit. We'll continue this discussion after this short break. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Welcome back to CONNECT THE WORLD, a very special show as noble laureates and world leaders come together youngsters from around the world
to focus on the challenges faced by children on the move. We are here at the second ever Laureates and Leaders for Children Conference. And we are
coming to you from non-other than the world's famous Dead Sea which right now is rooming with life ideas and initiatives to improve the harsh
realities faced by children on the move. The voices here at the Laureates and Leaders' Summit for Kids at the lowest place on earth insisting our
children must not be the worlds' lowest priority. I want to bring back my panel of guest. Kailash Satyarthi is an (INAUDIBLE) who has been fighting
for children's right for more than 40 years. Mohamad al Jounde who created a school for Syrian refugee which now teaches 200 kids and Marcus Mumford,
a musician and ambassador for the charity War Child. Kailash, your organization has liberated more than 86,000 children from child labor,
slavery, and trafficking. Your efforts have been profiled in new critically acclaimed documentary famously named Kailash.
SATYARTHI: That's right.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SATYARTHI: And once they ended as slaves, and for me, the world is not free and that is an evil which I want to end in my lifetime and I will do,
and tell you I will do.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: You have been fighting for the rights of kids for as I say, more than 40 years, do you genuinely believe that the solution exists to ensure
that you can see an end to child slavery, child labor as we've been -- we've been discussing at this summit in your lifetime?
[11:20:09] SATYARTHI: Absolutely. I'm very confident. I'm very confident because then I started -- 40 years ago is not a big time in the human
history. Slavery of children, child labor, trafficking were not issues, though they were seen as problems but not (INAUDIBLE). Nobody was talking
about it. In most countries, they were not laws and no media, nothing. People talk about the poor children are working and nothing uncommon in it.
And people thought slavery was gone. But we have seen the progress over the years. Of course (INAUDIBLE) in fleeing children has helped in
bringing the issue to the public knowledge. The legal interventions to begin with, fight for making new laws, social mobilization efforts,
consumer campaigns, to educate consumers to mind only those goods which are free of child labor.
ANDERSON: So it's worth it because Mohamad, you know what sort of impact being a kid on the move is and that almost sanitize it doesn't it, by
calling you a child on the move. We're talking about leaving your home, your friends, everything, your country to move because of a conflict. Just
remind our viewers just how damaging that can be to you as a 12-year-old and others like you.
AL JOUNDE: Well, as you said, I have to leave my home, my country, my friends and basically my whole life so for myself, because I didn't came
from zone where there are a lot of conflicts, but when I left everything and moved to Lebanon, I started my whole life from the zero point. So it's
like I'm new born baby. So this is the most difficult thing in my life, starting all over again. And now I move from Lebanon to Sweden, I'm
starting all over again from the zero. So this is what basically my struggle. And of course, the reason of me traveling outside of Syria which
is my mom, she got imprisoned twice. And then that's the time they told us to go out or she will get killed. So we had to leave. And this is not
only -- this is for (INAUDIBLE) old Syria, it's small struggles for me because people are still struggling in Syria until now and no one is doing
anything. We're just watching. The kids like me, for example in Ghouta until now are getting killed.
ANDERSON: But you know, you can make a difference. You are the living embodiment that education full stop should be non-negotiable. We have seen
tens of thousands of students across the United States protesting gun violence saying enough is enough. They say safe schools are non-
negotiable. You say schools are non-negotiable as suppose to the world, especially for kids on the move. How important is it to you that world
leaders commit to schools and at education for all children and take action accordingly?
AL JOUNDE: For me, it's very important. Their commitment is important to me because I believe they are the one who can actually make bigger change.
But I really want to commit their commitment because it's been seven years and the number of Syrian refugees that's getting into schools is less than
expected. So for me it's -- the more important thing is to do what they promised us to do and everything else will be OK.
SATYARTHI: Let me add one sentence that the world leaders should listen to his voice. Only two percent of the global humanitarian aid goes to
education for children, only two percent. They have different priorities, not the schooling and not education of children. $40 billion dollars is
needed annually to ensure education for every single child in primary and secondary, and that is less than a week of global military expenditure. So
what is their priority, guns our priority or books is our priority? And the leaders should listen to it.
ANDERSON: (INAUDIBLE) here said today, yes education is expensive, Marcus but wars are more expensive.
MUMFORD: Yes, indeed. And education is something that brings hope to -- and this region right now, an entire generation of children, I mean, of you
look at not just Syria now but Yemen as well, Afghanistan, Iraq is conflicts which there seems to be result very quickly. And of course, at
this conference, there's been a really strong affirmation amongst the delegates that there needs to be political resolutions these conflicts of
course. But in the meantime, this whole generation of children are losing their childhoods and education is such a crucial part to that childhood.
ANDERSON: You talk about how important, not just on education but psychosocial support means to traumatized --
[11:25:00] MUMFORD: And they can come hand in hand. We visited with a family last year just outside of Mosul who have just come out of Mosul
under (INAUDIBLE) control. They had not let their kids go to school for three years because they were too scared. And we met with them in a
refugee camp about 20 miles outside of Mosul and the father is amazing, a dignified man welcomed us into his tent and we sat and talked and his 12-
year-old son was extraordinarily traumatized and was openly weeping. It was very intimate scenario. And then his five-year-old son came into the
tent and he knew that I was English and he recited the English alphabet to me. And all of it he had learned in a War Child Supplementary Education
Center because he hadn't been allowed in the school in the camp yet. And the look on his father's face of pride was extraordinary. I mean, we were
all incredibly moved obviously. But it brought dignity and it brought hope to their family. Education is fundamental.
ANDERSON: Dignity and hope, Mohaman, does that resonate?
AL JOUNDE: Yes, of course, because having hope is the best thing ever. Because having hope can actually motivate you to do everything. And while
we do -- you do what you hope to do is you're actually showing people that you haven't -- he has dignity.
ANDERSON: To our viewers who were sitting watching this, Mohamad, who say, where do you get your strength from? How did you do what you did at 12
years old when you basically left your home, your country, you are on the move, what's your answer to that?
AL JOUNDE: My answer is the kids I work with because at that time I didn't have the dream but the kids who are more (INAUDIBLE) than all of us I
believe than me, they allow me to share their dream. And without their -- without their -- they wanted to go to schools so that motivated me more to
try to open a school for them. And what actually motivates me also, to not consider what I do as help because it's not helping. Because while I'm
doing this, I'm actually improving myself and I'm helping myself. And the kids actually saved me and saved my life. They give meaning to my life.
So if where the strength is, it's just doing this. Do things and don't consider as help because it was not helping, you were helping yourself.
ANDERSON: What will you able to do going forward?
AL JOUNDE: Going forward? When I'm learned about the rest of the world and meet all nationalities of refugees and try to help them all.
ANDERSON: And your message to world today here while you're sharing your ideas and building initiatives alongside laureates and leaders is what?
AL JOUNDE: As I said, don't consider help as helping. You're helping yourself and more is try to know what's happening all over the world
because we're connected. We're all humans eventually and focus more on the teenagers because we are the future and if you don't focus on us, you'll
screw the future.
ANDERSON: You're nodding Marcus.
MUMFORD: Yes, I mean, that's what's happening. We were talking a bit too much. And actually we should probably spend some more time listening and
this conference has been special for that reason. We've got to listen even in just the last hour to some young people who live in Zaatari Camp and
listen to their experiences and their dreams and their ambitions, and also the needs obviously.
ANDERSON: Which is what you've been doing for 40 years.
SATYARTHI: Absolutely. I know that the key driver of change are children and the youth themselves. If they are given respect, not just care and
love, more importantly, the dignity and respect for children, if they're able to feel it, they have tremendous power. They are born leaders. Every
child has a leader, a champion, (INAUDIBLE) inside them. And I could say that a child that -- out of those 80,000-90,000 children whom they feed, I
feed, thousands of them became the change makers. And they have been able to free many more children from slavery under their leadership.
ANDERSON: So six degree of separation really does work effectively?
SATYARTHI: Absolutely, absolutely.
ANDERSON: I'm going to take a short break. It's been an absolute pleasure having the three of you. And Kailash Satyarthi, Mohamad al Jounde, and
Marcus Mumford thank you. We're going to take a short break. Before we do, 85 percent of Syrian refugee children in Jordan are living below the
poverty line. A staggering 94 percent of those under five are deprived of basic needs like education, health, or protection, U.N. estimates. This
country though is doing its best. And as we saw at the beginning of this hour, there are projects that are helping. To learn more about how you can
help the kids, the kids of Syria and elsewhere, please do go to cnn.com/impact. This is CONNECT THE WORLD coming to you from the Dead Sea
at the Laureates and Leaders for Children Conference. We are halfway through what is packed down of the very real challenges facing children on
the move. Coming up, we're joined by some of the summit's other high profiled thing because as we look at new ways to tackle the challenges.
That's after this short break. Do not go away.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:32:27] KOSIK: Hello, I'm Alison Kosik. This is CNN NEWS NOW. In Sacramento, California a sheriff's vehicle struck a woman who is protesting
the shooting death of an unarmed black man at the hands of police. A witness says the car drove away without stopping. It happened during in
otherwise, people vigil in the memory of Stephon Clark. The woman suffer minor injuries. The California highway patrol says it's investigating.
Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, is preparing to return to Britain, Monday, after an emotional journey to her homeland on Saturday. She travel to
Pakistan's Swat Valley where she grew up and where she was shot by the Taliban for advocating for girl's education. She praised the people there
for fighting against extremism.
Pope Francis led the Easter Mass -- the Easter Mass in Vatican City a few hours ago. Thousands of people gathered to mark the holiest day in
Christianity. As part of Sunday's mass, Pope Francis baptized a Nigerian migrant who stop the thief on the street of Rome last year.
Queen Elizabeth and other members of the British royal family attended their annual Easter church service. It was held at St. George's Chapel in
Windsor Castle, and that's where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will get married in May. That's your CNN NEWS NOW. CONNECT THE WORLD will
continues next.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
YAMAN AL-HEJAZI, STUDENT IN JORDAN: I believe that the most important thing as the youth is education. Most of the people who jump out of school
only jump on because they don't have enough money to finance their education.
ANGEL MBUTHA, YOUTH LEADER, ALL AFRICA STUDENTS UNION: Exposure for children is good, and for them to know what they should want in life so
that they know which path to take. And education is the -- is the best guide for them.
KHIOBET SALAZAR, FORMER YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE TO UNITED NATIONS, PERU: I would say that education is one of the most important things for children.
Especially for refugees and migrant children. I think that assuring -- ensuring that they have -- that they get to go to school will allow them to
overcome in the situation.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
[11:34:49] ANDERSON: If there is a theme emerging, it is that education for all matters. And young people speaking up and urging us to act. To
earlier today, Jordan's Prince Ali said here and now we've can and must make a difference. Education, he said might be expensive but not as
expensive as weapons. A very warm welcome back to what is the Dead Sea in Jordan and the Laureates and Leaders for Children Summit. This is a very
special CONNECT THE WORLD.
So whether it's conflict, corruption, or climate change, mass migration, has shaped the news for years now, as you were well aware. And today, we
are looking closing closely at the flight of kids on the move, forced from their homes. And what can be done to help them? So that's what we what to
talk about right now, solutions.
Practical ways to change the lives of children, because no matter how war ravage your town is, no matter how hungry you are living your home behind
is a terrifying ordeal for an adults but is unimaginable undertaking that as a child.
So let's focus on ideas and initiatives and get over to my panel here to shape their -- share their wealth of experience and perspectives. Mary
Robinson is the former president of Ireland. The first woman to hold that role, and nowhere who spent her career championing human right. She
received Medal of Freedom from U.S. President Obama in 2009 that is America's highest civilian honor. She also served as United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights. Here is what she said at the U.N. Security Council back in 1999.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARY ROBINSON, FORMER PRESIDENT OF IRELAND: Civilians are no longer just victims of war. Today, they are regarded as instruments of war. Starving,
terrorizing, murdering, raping civilians, all are scene of legitimate. Sex is no defense, nor is age, indeed. It is women, children, and elderly who
are often at greatest risk.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: And that was 20 years ago, as is the case today. And another major issue of our time, climate change. The Mary Robinson Foundation
works to secure global justice for the forgotten victims of climate change, coming to you in a moment.
Dara Maraqa is one of the many students here at the Dead Sea in Jordan, attending this summit, adding her voice to the very important conversation
that's been had here. The 16 year old goes to high school in a month. That is during the week at least on Saturday. Dara can be found working to
Palestinian refugees from Gaza and there's one rid of people she is particularly passionate about, young children. Amazingly, Dara regularly
finds time to help others despite juggling school pressures and family commitments. Good on you.
And joining at us as well today, Lorena Castillo is the First Lady of Panama. Earlier this month, she was awarded, the U.N. Women for Peace
Leadership Award for her humanitarian work not least battling HIV and discrimination, and for defending the rights of girls and women. She is no
stranger for this very summit, she took part of the first-ever Laureates Leaders for Children formed in New Delhi, in 2016.
And just a short time ago, Laureates and Leaders tweeted out that her husband, President Juan Carlos Varela, says he is reaffirming Panama's
commitment to becoming the first country in the region to fully eradicate child's labor. To all of you, thank you for joining us.
Lorena, let me been start with you. Your husband reaffirming that commitment, just how important is that to you and how does it fit into the
narrative, the dialogue that you are having here with young this -- leaders and laureates?
LORENA CASTILLO, FIRST LADY OF PANAMA: Its' just the important, Becky -- thank you again for having us here. It's just the importance of being the
team that the man is not above the women, it's about being a team. And it's our commitment really to child not only in our country but we've
transcend our country everywhere.
If we can eradicate it in Panama, if we can enforce laws, and we can make, make a better place, everybody around us can make it.
ANDERSON: It's a lofty -- it's a lofty aim, it's incredible.
CASTILLO: Yes, absolutely. What being doubt? First of all, the laws. The laws are -- is the laws are there. As we've talked about so many laws
that have -- and for every country and United Nations that they have to be reinforced. They have to be done and watch that they've make in there
actually.
And in Panama, we've -- we have a law that if a child -- you find the child working, laboring in the coffee areas, we will impose a $700 per kid fine,
and we are there every weekend, every day sees were there. And find it -- and sending that message that this is serious, that we are not take in
this.
[11:40:21] ANDERSON: Child labor is an issue which, unfortunately, is a scourge. In this region is kids are on the move as is child marriage, as
is child slavery, as all so many of the issues that affect this youngsters around this region.
Mary, you focus as much as anything else on climate change as a key driver for kids on the move. Perhaps, not one we would associate with this
region. Let's remind ourselves, kids, on the move not -- is not just about conflicts, go on.
ROBINSON: Yes, on this region. A Syrian conflict began with four years of prolong drought that displace people and led to fighting. It is actually
very clear that yes, those who had to flee from Syria are full refugees but they're actually also play went displaced in many ways even if they don't
know it. If they don't know that the origin of why their family moved to different parts, because of the extreme drought. So, it's highly relevant
and it is a bigger and bigger driver.
But what I've found wonderful about today, was the involvement of this hates group and the younger. It is a rather different conference. And so
often, when people talk about the city, young people, its one young person at the end of the panel. And -- you know, once they speak, that's it. And
we've had in-depth discussions with young people, we do wonderful.
ANDERSON: And let's have those discussions because you and I have talked long and I heard about it is that we will sit on panels and conferences and
we've off times the youngest on the panel. Go on, Dara (INAUDIBLE). Tell us, what the most and important challenge for kids that you have met -- you
are on the move in this region, and what can we do about it?
DARA MARAQA, STUDENT, DEAD SEA, JORDAN: Quite honestly, I want to start with the talking about my school because my school was really supportive of
community project, services, where our -- for refugees, for Jordanians, for different ethnicities. Now, as much as academic excellences are important?
No, there are also a big importance for the community services also.
So, basically, what we do? We do a lot of activities involving refugees, involving children because we believed that they are our next generation as
-- like it's commonly sad. It's our future, so, we really have to help them. So, basically, I believed it's my duty to help them and
specifically, got their refugee camps who come to our school, we teach them English, we teach them Arabic, different skills, language, writing, how to
speak, how to act, and not only that, but we also like have different activities that involved them, and make them feel special, and make them
feel like they're one of us. Yes.
ANDERSON: Because they are getting through what? Just explain -- just explain what you've learned from this kids.
MARAQA: Yes, I believed that they don't want to get kicked out of their countries, obviously. They were forced to leave their countries, although,
they loved their country and they want to stay there but their conditions forced them to go and to leave their country, which is no one should
experience that because it's really hard for them. And especially that -- it's their childhood, it's what's predict their future and what's make the
future, that's why.
ANDERSON: Lorena, you've been at the Zaatari refugee camp here. It's only one of the number of camps, and you know that there are refugees in this
country, all over this region who are struggling. You spoke to many people when you were there. Kids and adults are like just when we count some of
the stories that you've heard.
CASTILLO: It was really, really, really hard. Especially, because the children as you were saying, don't ask for be in that situation, nobody
asks to be in that situation. They have lost everything and I was talking to you one of the boys, I asked him what do was freedom for him? We did
several interviews to some of them because they are -- some of them are painters, others do art pieces, and that's a way for them to just take away
the pain that they have been through for art.
And I was asking them, what was freedom for him? And he said, "Freedom for me is like a bird, like a bird in the cage with its thread." And I said,
which one are you? And he said, "I am -- when I paint, I am the bird that is flying away. The one that has fish, that when I don't, I am in the
cage." And I -- we were talking because I had the blessing of being able to talk to him about that his mind he's free. That doesn't matter where he
is that his mind he's free.
But then, I met another one that lost his legs with a bomb that hasn't be on and he would just step on it and he lost his legs, he is 14. And he was
painting about how much he wishes to be peace in the world between Muslims, Arabs, and Christians, and Catholic and Jews. And he paints it. One of
those of painters then, there were so many experiences but they -- it is shocking if it's shocking for us that we go, and we meet them, and hear
their stories, imagine what they went through? (INAUDIBLE).
[11:46:01] ANDERSON: So, it's shocking that they aren't from in center, so far, as the rest of the world is considered. That means what this
conference is about taking some concrete action of points --
ROBINSON: Absolutely.
ANDERSON: -- and saying we must embed kids within the decisions that are being made around the world. This is your now -- I'm just going to call it
now an anniversary, it sounds like the wrong word. The decimal factors that there -- that we are three years into a war in Yemen, for example,
just this week.
And this from say, the Children, is a message from those kids. "We, the children of Yemen are struggling to survive. We go to sleep to the sound
of warplanes overhead, and guns in the street. We are innocent play no part in this war and have committed no sins. And yet, we are missing out
on an education as our schools are being destroyed, we wake up to more destruction. We could be forced to work just to be able to eat. We are
sad for our country, our families and our friends." So Mary --
ROBINSON: No.
ANDERSON: What do we do about it?
ROBINSON: They're missing out on their childhood. That's it. And they just -- it's a lost childhood when you have a situation like in Yemen, like
in Syria. And it's unforgivable that we have a security council that's not addressing this issues. But we have proxy war is going on. And countries
-- the countries that are involved in prolonging the war in Yemen are not really interested in Yemen. You know, that's the sad thing.
It's Saudi Arabia-Iran, fighting around the country for different reasons, and they didn't like the Democratic movement in Yemen some years ago. They
are frightened of that if that's people power. And, you know, so there are very strange things that we have to unravel than we untraveled a terrible
prolonged war that is largely a proxy war.
ANDERSON: Mary, you make a very good points and we will continue this discussion on take a very short break. CONNECT THE WORLD continues, next,
we've come into you from the city at the Laureates and Leaders for Children Conferences, there are a lot more to discuss. And lot more coming up after
this short break. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:50:41] ANDERSON: Well, very warm welcome back. This is CONNECT THE WORLD with me, Becky Anderson. And we do welcome back to the Laureates and
Leaders for Children Summit, come I to you from this -- the beautiful Dead Sea in Jordan.
And back with me again, Lorena Castillo, who's the First Lady of Panama. Along with Ireland's former President Mary Robinson. And joining the
discussion, Shubham Rathore, who is a 21 year old Electrical Engineering student who has firsthand experience about education can change lives.
Shubham grew up as a child laborer in India and was made to work grueling long hours in a restaurant. He was rescued in 2009 when he was 13 years
old with the help of a campaign group in India. And so, let's start with you. Tell us your story if you will, briefly.
SHUBHAM RATHORE, FORMER CHILD LABORER IN INDIA: When I was 13, my father had some men's problem and that's why our economic condition become so bad.
So I went to work and understood because the condition was so bad. They were not able to get food. There, I went to work for only food because
they don't pay me any money, they just give me a food for work. So, if I worked for two day, I will get food for two day, it was something like
that.
So, and my work was to wash used glass and plates there. And in call, because I used to work in night. My work was used to start at 10:00 in
night to 8:00 in morning. So, in night, in called, I could not grab the glass properly, so sometime, it's broken.
ANDERSON: How many hours a day did you worked?
RATHORE: From in night, from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., it's 10 hour -- 10 hour.
ANDERSON: Seven days a week?
RATHORE: Yes, yes.
ANDERSON: Seven days a week, you were 13 years old.
RATHORE: Yes.
ANDERSON: And you know, there are thousands of other kids doing exactly that sort of work in restaurants, in kiosk, in coffee factories --
RATHORE: Yes.
ANDERSON: And it continues to this day. You have been given a chance which I know you are a totally grateful for. That your experience is so
important to us --
RATHORE: Yes.
ANDERSON: -- as we trying to enforce some change. And that's why you're here at the summit today. What do you want to see as a concrete action to
make a change around the world? You'd be lucky, haven't you?
RATHORE: Yes. As I said, now I'm engineer, I have job but I'm not satisfied with that figures. It's very common to see children working in
India, so, we, I have team, we go to rescue them. We look for them, they are real and young people. And the (INAUDIBLE) I need in the India, if you
go against something, if someone is breaking the law, if you go against the procedure of justice is so long (INAUDIBLE). Sometimes, they are -- the
people in (INAUDIBLE), they are powerful people, they extend the process.
ANDERSON: They want to see an end to corruption.
RATHORE: Yes, yes. Due to corruption. Yes.
ANDERSON: Did for you did work? Hold that thought, because Mary, how do we get serious commitments to providing solutions to kids on the move?
ROBINSON: Well, kids on the move, try in labor as specifically, I think we also have to try to get income to the family. And often income to the
mother helps a lot in trying to make sure that children can stay at school and not have to work. You know, in other words, this -- it's a -- it's a
situation that needs a rounded response because there attracting poverty, basically.
RATHORE: Yes.
ROBINSON: And children on the move are even more deprive because they can be victimized they can -- not only lose their home, they may lose family
members, and they see terrible things for children, traumas of people being killed. Then, think of those coming across all the boats, think of the
children that are dying to Mediterranean. Think of European countries like Ireland which is not worse, but it's not good enough.
We are not doing enough to understand that's it is part of our humanity that we not only receive much more generously as Jordan does, as Lebanon
does, in this region. But also, that we know it is positive for our country.
[11:55:06] ANDERSON: Lorena, no more empty promises, no more choose less statements about conflicts the problems are. What do you want to see done
for kids around the world?
CASTILLO: I want action now, no more resolutions. You see United Nations -- time and time again, resolutions, resolutions. But at the end, the wars
are still happening. Weapons are still being retorted to all over the world. And you see all this money still being taken away from schooling,
from what is priority in our countries.
When I went to India, and I met you in 2016, and I heard your story, that his voice and the voices of thousands of children made us as adult as
governors -- the governance has leaders understand that enforces and that is a priority. So, we need to hear them more. When we took at those
voices --
ANDERSON: And that is the (INAUDIBLE). And that is the point of the show today, you are welcome on the show anytime.
RATHORE: Thank you.
ANDERSON: We need to continue to hear from you.
RATHORE: OK.
ANDERSON: And others that you know, and kids around this region and beyond. We're going to have to though, leave it here for today. Lorena
Castillo, Shubham Rathore, and Mary Robinson thank you very much indeed. That is it for us here at the Dead Sea. A closing thought for you, 20
years ago, King Hussein of Jordan, had this to say. "We have no right to dictate through irresponsible action or narrow-mindedness, the future of
our children or their children's children."
Here some (INAUDIBLE) echoing those words today. We cannot wait another 20 years to protect our kids. That was CONNECT THE WORLD with me, Becky
Anderson from the Laureates and Leaders for Children Summit. Thank you for watching us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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