FOCUS: Children & Islam

African Parliamentarians Convene for Historic Conference on Ending Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting
DAKAR, 4 December 2005
Parliamentarians from across Africa have convened in Dakar, Senegal for a landmark conference to learn about female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and discuss what they can do to help end the dangerous and violent practice.

UNICEF and Al-Azhar University Present New Manual Designed to Underscore Importance of Children in Islam
November 29, 2005
The manual, Children in Islam, Their Care, Protection and Development, produced with UNICEF's support, includes research papers and extracts of Koranic verses, Hadiths and Sunnas that provide guidance on childrens' rights to such things as health, education and protection. Al-Azhar University said it hoped the manual will be used widely to advance the well-being of children in Islamic countries and communities.

Three million girls undergo female genital cutting every year
GENEVA/FLORENCE/CAIRO, 24 November 2005
An estimated three million girls in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East undergo genital mutilation/cutting every year, according to a UNICEF report released today.

Ministers from Islamic countries take strong stand in favour of children
RABAT, 8 November 2005
On issuing a Declaration calling for an end to harmful traditional practices, elimination of gender disparity in education and urgent action to address the unacceptably high rates of child and maternal mortality in some Islamic countries, the more than 200 participants of The First Islamic Ministerial Conference on the Child hailed the meeting as a major success and a ground-breaking initiative for the Islamic world.

Ministers from Islamic countries convene for landmark meeting on children
RABAT, 7 November 2005
Senior representatives of almost 50 Islamic countries and nearly 20 international organizations have convened for a landmark meeting intended to make a real and lasting difference for more than a quarter of the world's children, who are disproportionately burdened by poverty, malnutrition and disease.

Children, the Focus for Islamic Solidarity
NEW YORK, 21 September 2005
A landmark joint report launched today gives a unique insight into the opportunities and challenges facing 600 million children across the Islamic world.