Young children from various schools in and around Honiara gathered to commemorate World Children's Day.

The Honiara City Council took up the responsibility to coordinate the annual 'World Children International Day' this year.

Guests included the Minister for Women, Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Augustine Taneko, Honiara City Councilors, UNICEF representatives and Save the Children Fund representatives.

In his remarks, Hon. Taneko said that children, as gifts from God, are very important and demand total attention.

"They are a reward to our family and also leaders for the future because without the children, there is no circle, life without them in the community has no purpose, so it is our responsibility to look for our children," said Hon. Taneko.

He said it is the responsibility of the government to have concerns on issues of children's rights, advocate rights of children, work closely in partnership with UNICEF, NGO's and other stakeholders, child forum to government internationally and provincially and enforcement on legislation of children's rights.

Also speaking at the celebration, a UNICEF representative highlighted the rights of children to express their opinion, the rights to have access to accurate information and to meet and associate with others under the act to protect children's rights.

The occasion saw the involvement of children in voicing their ideas and performing dramas depicting children's rights.