Child-focused NGOs share their hopes with UNICEF
By Tee Shiao Eek KUALA LUMPUR, 6 January 2009 – As murmurs of conversation flowed through the elegant hall of the Banker’s Club, a child’s laugh rang out brightly, breaking through the solemn atmosphere. It was a reminder to everyone of what lay at the heart of their grand plans and visionary ideas: children, their rights and their wellbeing. Approximately 60 people representing 40 child-focused NGOs and groups came together recently for a dialogue with the UNICEF Malaysia Representative, to share their vision for children and exchange ideas for the way forward in anticipation of the new year. The dialogue was aptly themed ‘Strategic partnerships’, reflecting the complementary roles that NGOs and UNICEF play in creating effective change for children. “We need you, the NGOs, more than you need us,” UNICEF Malaysia Representative Mr Youssouf Oomar admitted frankly. “You can share your thoughts, ideas, experiences and lessons learned. Most importantly, you can provide feedback on the gaps that exist, and suggest appropriate measures to fill in those gaps,” he said. A dialogue for partnership This dialogue, organised by the Malaysian Child Resource Institute (MCRI), gave UNICEF a platform to discuss their programs, while the NGOs were given the opportunity to lay out their plans and look for areas of synergy.“In order to achieve the commitments agreed upon in ‘A World Fit For Children’ during the Special Session of the UN General Assembly on Children, UNICEF needs a strong and sustained partnership with civil society to enhance efforts for the realisation of children’s rights,” Mr Youssouf stressed. While all the NGOs present were commended for their individual efforts in helping certain groups of children, they were also reminded of a broader goal – to advance and advocate for children’s rights to everyone, everywhere. “We should be aiming for the institutionalisation of child rights. Whether you work with child rights or not, your organisation should have policies and regulations that protect child rights,” said MCRI Project Director Michelle Wong. Ideas poured forth When the floor was opened to the participants for the open dialogue session, the NGO representatives took the opportunity to voice their “wish lists” for the new year. Diverse opinions and ideas were bandied about the room, ranging from a proposal for the formulation of a Child Protection Policy for all organisations, to suggestions for improving education for children. There were numerous calls for better protection and care for children with special needs, stateless and undocumented children. Every opinion and suggestion was addressed by Mr Youssouf, UNICEF Child Protection Consultant Mr Guy Thompstone, as well as the guest panelist, UNHCR Protection Officer Ms Cecile Fradot. While the NGOs were clearly looking to UNICEF for leadership and guidance, UNICEF also took the opportunity to pose challenges to the NGOs and spur them to continue playing their role effectively. Mr Youssouf urged the NGOs to talk to each other and be transparent about their programs and projects. “Mapping helps to identify who is doing what and where, but also to identify who needs more assistance than others,” he explained. He also called on the NGOs to support UNICEF and the Government by gathering solid data on areas where children’s rights are not being met. Mr Thompston concurred, pointing out that “the role of UNICEF is to be able to go to the government with the proper evidence to request a review on policy. Without good evidence, policies will be made in a knee jerk reaction." Finally, Mr Youssouf reminded all the organisations and individuals to work with children in all their efforts. “Children, as the beneficiaries of your programs, should be stakeholders in these programs, not just passive recipients.” The energy and enthusiasm emanating from the room was a positive indication of the commitment by the NGOs for the year ahead. While the gloomy predictions of a global economic crisis cast a deep shadow over social safety nets for children, there was no doubt that everyone would forge ahead with stronger intentions and efforts. As MCRI Governor Mrs Liew Sau Pheng said: “There’s a special feeling you get when you work for children.” It justifies going the extra mile and scaling even the most impossible hurdles.
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