Policy advocacy and partnerships for children's rights
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UNICEF and partners commemorate 20 years of Convention on the Rights of the Child
NEW YORK, USA, 20 November 2009 – Today at the United Nations, UNICEF and its partners commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the ground-breaking human rights covenant that codifies rights for all children, everywhere.
At launch of flagship report, Lucy Liu and Ann M. Veneman celebrate achievements for children
NEW YORK, USA, 19 November 2009 – UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Lucy Liu and former child soldier Grace Akallo joined Executive Director Ann M. Veneman today to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). To mark the occasion, UNICEF has released a special edition of its flagship publication, ‘The State of the World’s Children’, outlining progress made on children’s rights over the past two decades.
Spain’s ‘El País Semanal’ issues special photo edition on child rights
MADRID, SPAIN, 19 November 2009 – For the past six months, Spanish photographer Isabel Muñoz has been traveling around the world, taking photos of children.
Lesotho cash-grants pilot programme aims to ensure vulnerable children’s rights
LEBAKENG, Lesotho, 18 November 2009 – Mapalesa Sebatanyane, 73, is the primary caregiver for her four grandchildren, but she struggles to feed them with the small income she earns raising chickens in this remote village.
Putting children first in the policy response to the global economic downturn
LONDON, United Kingdom, 10 November 2009 – The global economic downturn has disproportionately affected millions of children and women who were already straining under the burden of extreme poverty.
Tanzania passes landmark Law of the Child
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, 6 November 2009 – On Wednesday, Tanzania’s Parliament, the Bunge, passed a bill known as the Law of the Child Act 2009. This landmark legislation effectively domesticates the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child and provides the legal framework through which the rights of the country’s children can be protected and realized.
Zimbabwe children’s parliament speaks out on rights issues
HARARE, Zimbabwe, 6 November 2009 – The 17th session of the Children’s Parliament, a programme of the Zimbabwe Youth Council, opened recently with the aim of spurring the government into action to ensure child survival and empowerment.
UNICEF and Xinhua News Agency join forces to promote children’s rights
BEIJING, China, 5 November 2009 – UNICEF and Xinhua News Agency, the official press agency of the People’s Republic of China, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining joint plans to promote better understanding of the situation of children worldwide.
Focus on children’s rights: UNICEF launches photo exhibit and film festival
NEW YORK, USA, 4 November 2009 – As part of the run-up to 20 November, the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman yesterday introduced a photo exhibit and opened a documentary film festival with a special screening at UNICEF headquarters in New York.
‘I have the right’: UNICEF Russia launches child rights campaign
MOSCOW, Russian Federation, 4 November 2009 – UNICEF Russia has launched a series of public service announcements dedicated to protecting child rights. The campaign underlines the importance of considering the interests of the child in all important decisions, whether at the family or state level.
Prominent essayists reflect on the impact of the Convention on the Rights of the Child
NEW YORK, USA, 3 November 2009 – As part of its commemoration of the CRC’s 20th anniversary, The State of the World’s Children, UNICEF’s annual flagship publication, is launching a new essay series called ‘Perspectives on the Convention on the Rights of the Child.’
Seven youths from Liberia learn how to record, edit, write and produce radio programmes
MONROVIA, Liberia, 30 October 2009 – "The last time I got malaria, I had to leave school because I couldn't walk properly. I couldn't eat," says Veldis Malkor, age 13. "I missed school for about a week."
UNICEF hosts discussion on governance fit for children
NEW YORK, USA, 28 October 2009 – In the effort to make further progress on implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), much depends upon delivering good governance for children. At a panel held at UNICEF House in New York yesterday, experts discussed the interdependence between child rights and good governance.
Young people speak out at event focused on Child Participation
NEW YORK, USA, 16 October 2009 – Six young people stood before an overflowing room of people at UNICEF House to present their views on child participation. Getting adults to listen is their biggest challenge, they said, but these well-spoken activists both inspired and educated their audience – and left everyone thinking about new ways to involve children in matters that affect them.
Partners bolster cross-border political support for African children in crisis
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, 15 October 2009 – Millions of African children live in a state of almost permanent crisis brought on by conflict, instability, disease and the impact of the global economic downturn.
Japan promotes Global Handwashing Day for better hygiene
TOKYO, Japan, 15 October 2009 – Today, millions of children and adults in over 80 countries are marking the second annual Global Handwashing Day with special events and activities. As part of this effort, the Japan Committee for UNICEF and its partners have launched a project to promote handwashing among children in Japan and around the world.
New Malaysian stamps pay tribute to children and their rights
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, 12 October 2009 – To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Malaysia’s postal service, Pos Malaysia, has introduced a new set of stamps that aims to spread the word about children’s rights.
Global Handwashing Day 2009: Spread the word, not the germs
NEW YORK, USA, 9 October 2009 – Next Thursday, 15 October, marks the second annual Global Handwashing Day, which millions of children and adults will celebrate with special activities in over 80 countries.
UNICEF gets set for global action to ‘Stand Up’ against poverty
NEW YORK, USA, 8 October 2009 – Now in its fourth year, the ‘Stand Up: Take Action’ initiative exhorts individuals, groups and community networks to take action on the Millennium Development Goal of halving the number of people who live in extreme poverty.
More than a bailout: Social protection for children affected by AIDS
NEW YORK, USA, 29 September 2009 – On the eve of the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly earlier this month, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reported that the near- and working poor in developing nations would be the hardest hit by the worldwide recession.
Young people appeal to world leaders at UN Summit on Climate Change
NEW YORK, USA, 22 September 2009 – A delegation of young people appealed to world leaders for meaningful action today at the UN Secretary-General’s Summit on Climate Change. The group of 13 young participants, ranging from 14 to 18 years of age, asked leaders to come together and make a difference on environmental sustainability.
UNICEF Executive Board concludes second regular session of 2009
NEW YORK, USA – On 16 September, the final day of its second regular session of 2009, the UNICEF Executive Board adopted nine decisions related to UNICEF programme cooperation, evaluation, oversight and budget.
New teaching strategy helps young students excel in Argentina
RESISTENCIA, Argentina, 8 September 2009 – For the first six months of first grade, Maria Angel Gomez struggled to keep up with the other students. She showed little interest in her school work and was slowly falling behind. She couldn't read and her mother worried that Maria Angel would fail and need to repeat first grade, a common problem in Argentina.
Teen editorial from Jamaica: ‘Children have rights, too. Protect them!’
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica has been subject to human rights criticisms in regards to our level of intolerance for sexual diversity, poor rehabilitation facilities, an overburdened and inefficient judicial system, human security and the continued impunity of police officers and state representatives who commit crimes.
A Kyrgyz local hero fights to protect the rights of street children in Bishkek
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, 24 August 2009 – A recent morning for Alexei Petrushevski went something like this: He met a high-ranking city official to get approval of a project ensuring that all of his wards at the Bishkek Centre for Street Children will eventually get birth certificates and other necessary paperwork. Then he rushed off to negotiate the purchase of football jerseys – at discounted rates, of course – for the centre’s new children’s soccer team.
UNICEF partner helps Central African indigenous people learn their rights
NEW YORK/MBAIKI, Lobaye Province, Central African Republic, 7 August 2009 – The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) recognizes the inalienable rights of all people. Yet for many Aka pygmies in the Central African Republic, the notion that they and their children are holders of rights is still an entirely new concept.
In remote areas of Viet Nam, UNICEF supports teaching children about rights
LAO CAI, Viet Nam, 23 July 2009 – Against the dramatic backdrop of the foothills of northern Viet Nam, students at the Kim Dong Lower Secondary gather for their morning exercises. In perfectly straight lines, and with impeccable timing, they go through their routine, which heralds the start of the school day.
‘Children’s Forum’ asks UNICEF to help foster equality and rights in Eritrea
ASMARA, Eritrea, 21 July 2009 – About 100 children from all over Eritrea took part in the country’s first-ever Children’s Forum, organized by UNICEF and the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students earlier this month.
Report finds minority and indigenous children disproportionately excluded from school
NEW YORK, USA, 17 July 2009 – Article 30 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child provides specific protection for children from ethnic, linguistic and religious minorities. But today, 20 years after the adoption of this international treaty, children from marginalized communities and indigenous groups continue to face extraordinary barriers.
Blind children learn about their stake in the Sierra Leone Child Rights Act
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone, 14 July 2009 – Osman Kamara, 16, was born blind in Freetown. At the age of five, he was enrolled at the Milton Margai School for the Blind, and he has lived there ever since. Osman is now a fifth-form pupil in one of the secondary schools in Freetown; with the aid of the Braille, he participates effectively in the classroom and makes good grades.
‘Junior 8’ youth delegates present views to G8 world leaders in Italy
L'AQUILA, Italy, 9 July 2009 – A select group of 14 young people have met with top leaders at the G8 Summit here yesterday and urged them to act on a set of recommendations aimed at protecting child rights around the world.
UNICEF Children's Rights Award inaugurated at 'Beyond Sport' summit in London
LONDON, United Kingdom, 10 July 2009 – As the inaugural 'Beyond Sport' summit took place in London this week, UNICEF presented a special award for an inspirational project that uses sport to ensure children's rights.
Young people open Junior 8 Summit in Rome
ROME, Italy, 7 July 2009 – Bright young minds from around the world have gathered for the Junior 8 Summit, a week-long conference for young people to exchange and debate ideas about how to best improve global conditions for children.
UNICEF contest invites youth videos on children’s rights; deadline 1 August
NEW YORK, USA, 30 June 2009 – People all over the world can talk about children’s rights, but it is children themselves who have firsthand experience on the subject. In honour of the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) – which will be observed later this year – UNICEF is inviting young people around the world to share their thoughts on the issue in video form.
Youth leaders gear up for Junior 8 Summit, to parallel upcoming G8 meeting in Italy
NEW YORK, USA, 26 June 2009 – If you had the opportunity to tell the world’s leaders what they should do to solve global problems, what would you say? That’s the question youth delegates to the Junior 8 Summit will wrestle with as they prepare to meet with presidents and prime ministers from the G8 industrialized nations in Italy next month.
Ensuring a right to special protection for vulnerable child refugees in Chad
IRIBA, Chad, 19 June 2009 – Children protecting the rights of children: That’s the idea behind the workshop being held in Iridimi, one of three camps in northern Chad for refugees from the Darfur region of Sudan.
Executive Board explores strategic framework for partnerships and collaborative work
NEW YORK, USA, 10 June 2009 – In an ever-changing world community now faced with a global financial crisis, UNICEF’s partnerships and collaborative relationships are becoming increasingly crucial.
Montblanc pledges 1.5 million dollars for education programmes
NEW YORK, USA, 1 June 2009 - Montblanc has announced the launch of their ‘Signature for Good’ collection a range of special edition products which will raise 1.5 million dollars for UNICEF’s education and literacy programmes for children worldwide.
National campaign accelerates birth registration in Burkina Faso
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso, 13 May 2009 – In Burkina Faso, as in many developing countries, millions of children are still making their way through life impoverished, abandoned, malnourished and uneducated. Having gone unregistered since birth, they are in danger of being forgotten and denied access to essential social services.
UN Public Service Award honours water supply initiative in Gujarat, India
GUJARAT, India, 13 May 2009 – The air was charged with excitement in the office of the Water and Sanitation Management Organization (WASMO) after the recent announcement that it had won the prestigious UN Public Service Award for ‘fostering participation in policy-making decisions through innovative mechanisms.’
Ankara hosts international symposium on children in conflict with the law
ANKARA, Turkey, 11 May 2009 – Experts from four continents have recommended that all countries set up national child-information systems to identify children at risk, as well as the risks they face. The recommendation was made in the concluding statement of a three-day international symposium on children at risk and in need of protection, which took place recently in Ankara.
Religious leaders call for ending corporal punishment in Mauritania
ATAR, Mauritania, 6 May 2009 – In the first hour after his arrival at a mahadra (Koranic school) in Atar, Ahmed was beaten several times. Over the next four months, he suffered daily.
`GameChangers’ winners announced: Supporting girls and women through sport
NEW YORK, USA, 6 May 2009 – For the second consecutive year, UNICEF has supported an online sport-for-development competition organized by Ashoka, an international network of social entrepreneurs, and sponsored by Nike. The winners were announced recently.
Special Olympics and UNICEF collaborate in Romania to promote inclusion and acceptance
CLUJ, Romania, 27 April 2009 – Special Olympics and UNICEF have joined forces in Romania to build inclusive communities for children with intellectual disabilities. Most recently, the Sport and Physical Education faculty of Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj organized an event for children both with and without intellectual disabilities, featuring Special Olympics Unified Sports, 'Young Athletes' and 'Healthy Athletes' activities.
UNICEF consultation takes on challenges facing indigenous and minority children
NEW YORK, USA, 16 April 2009 – Personal testimonies led to an intense and passionate dialogue at the opening of the Consultation on Indigenous Peoples’ and Minorities’ Issues, hosted by UNICEF in New York yesterday. Several speakers related stories of their own struggles, highlighting the critical need for increased awareness of the rights of indigenous and minority populations.
At Inter-Parliamentary Union conference, a call to action on adolescent girls’ rights
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, 9 April 2009 – Adolescent girls in developing countries are the world’s greatest untapped resource for stability and growth. As economic actors and future mothers, safe, healthy, educated, economically empowered girls have the means to escape poverty and ignite progress.
Measuring the impact of economic crisis on Indonesian children and families
JAKARTA, Indonesia, 7 April 2009 – Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, is showing signs of further economic decline this year, and the government wants to quickly detect how badly children and poor families are affected.
Executive Board delegation visits urban and rural projects in Kenya
NAIROBI, Kenya, 13 March 2009 – The members of the Bureau of the UNICEF Executive Board have concluded a weeklong field visit to Kenya, where they observed huge disparities in education and health care in the country.
'Girl Power' reception outlines plans for UN task force on adolescent girls
NEW YORK, USA, 6 March 2009 – Leaders from seven international organizations converged for a 'Girl Power and Potential' reception this week in New York. The event featured a panel of speakers outlining the strategies and goals of the United Nations Interagency Task Force on Adolescent Girls.
IKEA-supported training helps ‘hero’ at early-childhood centre in Assam, India
ASSAM, India, 2 March 2009 – Just off the main road of Athabari village, Tarulata Saikia sits in a small room decorated with brightly coloured posters of the Assamese alphabet. Ms. Saikia, 48, is a petite, soft-spoken worker at an ‘Anganwadi’ community child development centre. She has a remarkable story to tell.
‘Beyond Sport’ teams up with UNICEF for Children’s Rights Award nominations
NEW YORK, USA, 17 February 2009 – The search is on to find the world’s most inspirational sport programmes.
‘GameChangers’ competition advances opportunities for girls and women through sport
NEW YORK, USA, 17 February 2009 – Last year, UNICEF supported an online competition, ‘Changemakers: Sport for a Better World’, organized by Ashoka, an international network of social entrepreneurs. This year, UNICEF is supporting Changemakers – Ashoka's online community – in a new initiative called ‘GameChangers: Change the Game for Women in Sport’.
UN Web4Dev conference wraps up with a roadmap for future collaboration
NEW YORK, USA, 13 February 2009 – The fifth annual United Nations ‘Web4Dev’ conference, hosted by UNICEF for the first time, wrapped up today with a roadmap for future collaboration to put technology in the service of global development.
Web4Dev conference kicks off with an eye on the future of innovation
NEW YORK, USA, 11 February 2009 – With plenty of bells and whistles, and not a few mobile phone alerts and Twitter chirps, the fifth annual ‘Web4Dev’ conference kicked off at UNICEF House today.
A ‘Return to Joy’ helps Costa Rican children overcome earthquake's effects
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, 21 January 2009 – UNICEF partnered with Procter & Gamble and the Youth Red Cross to ensure the basic hygiene needs of children living in shelters after the 6.2 magnitude earthquake that shook Costa Rica on 8 January.
Young Belgian photographer wins UNICEF Germany Photo of the Year honours
BERLIN, Germany, 18 December 2008 – Belgian photographer Alice Smeets is the winner of the UNICEF Germany Photo of the Year. Her picture shows a girl in Cité Soleil, the largest slum in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, wearing a clean white dress and ribbons in her hair, despite being surrounded by squalor.
UN launches largest-ever humanitarian appeal for 2009
NEW YORK, USA, 19 November 2008 – Donors, civil society groups and non-governmental organizations gathered in Geneva today for the launch of the UN’s 2009 Consolidated Appeal, or CAP, for humanitarian aid.
Young ‘Peace Messengers’ from Yokohama donate $160,000 to support children
NEW YORK, USA, 10 November 2008 – During a meeting at UNICEF headquarters in New York this morning, Executive Director Ann M. Veneman thanked four children from Japan for their efforts to promote international peace. The Yokohama ‘Peace Messengers’, ranging in age from 11 to 15, raised approximately $160,000 for children’s causes in 2008.
‘Paint for the Planet’ engages young artists in the fight against climate change
NEW YORK, USA, 27 October 2008 – Andrew Bartolo, 15, of San-Gwann, Malta, has a talent for painting. His latest work, which depicts penguins fleeing to unfamiliar territory due to the effects of climate change, earned him a trip to United Nations headquarters.
At Almaty conference, young people share their ideas on global health care
ALMATY, Kazakhstan, 16 October 2008 – Young people from Brazil, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malta, Philippines, Tanzania and the United States of America gathered in Almaty to take part in the International Conference to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the signing of the Alma-Ata Declaration on Primary Health Care.
UNICEF nominee Paul Farmer receives CDC Foundation Hero Award
NEW YORK, USA, 10 October 2008 – Dr. Paul Farmer, a tireless activist, researcher and public health practitioner whose organization, Partners in Health, provides community-based care for millions of people throughout the developing world, has received the 2008 Hero Award from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Foundation in Atlanta, Georgia.
UN event features $4.5 billion pledge to support ‘Education for All’
NEW YORK, USA, 26 September 2008 – Devli Kumari, now 11, came a long way from a stone quarry in India, where she grew up as a child labourer, to United Nations headquarters in New York, where she spoke at the launch of an ‘Education for All’ campaign during the General Assembly session this week.
At General Assembly event, a call for equity and action on development goals
NEW YORK, USA, 23 September 2008 – On the opening day of the United Nations General Assembly session yesterday, UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman said there is a long way to go to reach the Millennium Development Goals by their 2015 target date. And the challenges are greatest in countries dealing with conflict and post-conflict situations, as well as those most affected by HIV/AIDS.
On day three, child rights takes centre stage at Executive Board session
NEW YORK, USA, 18 September 2008 – Child rights took centre stage on the third day of UNICEF’s Executive Board meeting at United Nations headquarters yesterday. At a special-focus session on policy and advocacy, board members examined and discussed the status of children’s rights in Malawi, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Colombia.
UNICEF Executive Director provides expertise to UN Economic and Social Council panel
NEW YORK, USA, 11 July 2008 – The triple punch of rising food and energy prices, climate change and lagging investment in agriculture is posing fresh challenges for international development programmes and requires the United Nations to enhance cooperation worldwide, UN agency heads agreed at a panel in New York today.
J8 delegates’ action plan grabs the attention of G8 leaders
CHITOSE CITY, Hokkaido, Japan. 8 July 2008 – After days of intense sessions, during which they debated and then drafted their ‘Chitose Declaration’ on issues of concern to the world’s children, 9 of the 39 Junior 8 Summit delegates here boarded a bus yesterday to go to the site of the G8 Summit of world leaders.
Junior 8 Summit delegates use online workspace to advance their viewpoints
CHITOSE CITY, Hokkaido, Japan, 6 July 2008 - Every evening after dinner they begin to congregate in the dimly lit lobby of the hotel. Small groups of teenagers sit with their laptops open, their faces tinted blue by the computer screens, typing busily as a collective ‘click-click’ fills the room.
Young delegates’ hopes are high as ‘Junior 8’ Summit opens in Japan
HOKKAIDO, Japan, 3 July 2008 – The Junior 8 Summit opened yesterday with thunderous performance by young local drummers at a traditional ceremony in Hokkaido, Japan. The meeting brings together a group of children and young people who promise to make an even bigger noise on the world stage.
Indigenous youth make their voices heard at global caucus
NEW YORK, USA, 2 June 2008 – At the seventh session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, held in New York in April, the youngest generation of indigenous people around the world came together as one body to highlight the problems they face.
DHL partners with UNICEF to promote ‘11 Commitments for Children’ in Angola
LUANDA, Angola, 22 May 2008 – Today marked the launch of a national partnership between UNICEF and DHL in Angola to promote child survival, development, education and protection.
UNICEF Iran Representative urges a deeper understanding of Islam to fight poverty
NEW YORK, 30 April 2008 – UNICEF Representative in Iran Christian Salazar has called for a deeper understanding of Islam to more effectively fight poverty in Islamic nations. He told an international conference in New York last week that while Iran has successfully tackled poverty in recent decades, disparities in income remain.
On World Malaria Day, new goals for prevention and treatment announced
NEW YORK, USA, 25 April 2008 – A bold initiative announced today by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon brings together the many forces fighting malaria to focus on one goal: providing universal coverage of malaria-control measures in Africa, where 90 per cent of malaria cases occur, by the end of 2010.
‘Rethinking Poverty’ conference cites risks to children posed by rising global insecurity
NEW YORK, USA, 22 April 2008 – Participants in an international conference here have been told that global uncertainty and an increase in terrorism and violence will lead to an increase in the number of people – including children – living in poverty.
Symposium on poverty recommends child-sensitive social protection in South Asia
DHAKA, Bangladesh, 21 April 2008 – Policy makers and experts from eight countries met in Dhaka last week for a symposium to address poverty. The symposium focused on how expanded social protection could serve as a strategy to transform social policy and reduce economic and social vulnerability, especially for children.
Countdown to 2015: MPs join call to boost maternal and child survival
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, 18 April 2008 – ‘Countdown to 2015’, a report on maternal, newborn and child survival, was released at the 118th annual Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) assembly in Cape Town this week, followed by a three-day conference where over 500 participating global health experts and Members of Parliament were urged to accelerate efforts to reach Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 on child and maternal survival.
Parliamentarians lead change for mothers and children
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, 18 April 2008 – Parliamentarians from all over the world showed their support this week as more than 200 Members of Parliament gathered in Cape Town for the 118th assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and a joint UNICEF-IPU panel on maternal, newborn and child health.
David Beckham urges children to use Junior 8 Summit to make their voices heard
LONDON, United Kingdom, 20 March 2008 – UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham has called on young people to take part in UNICEF’s Junior 8 Summit, a young person’s version of the annual G8 meeting of world leaders. Beckham called on 13- to 17-year-olds in G8 nations to enter the competition for a chance to represent their countries at the J8 Summit in Japan.
UNICEF makes its mark in 3 of 10 Yahoo! ‘Inspirations’ for 2007
NEW YORK, USA, 31 December 2007 – The Yahoo! News ‘Year in Review’ has cited 10 top stories from 2007 “that bring cause for optimism and hope.” And in 3 of these 10 Yahoo! ‘Inspirations’, UNICEF played a key part.
UN meeting highlights innovative programmes that spread from south to north
NEW YORK, USA, 27 December 2007 – Uganda, Mexico and Brazil presented innovative grassroots programmes for improving child rights at the United Nations during a recent UNICEF-organized seminar, which for the first time looked at how northern nations can learn from those in the south.
UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan receives National Friendship award
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, 14 December 2007 – UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan Reza Hossaini has been awarded a presidential order of National Friendship, or Do‘stlik.
UNICEF supports youth participation at climate change conference in Bali
BALI, Indonesia, 12 December 2007 – On the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Conference now under way in Bali, Indonesia, UNICEF has held a series of events to highlight the effects of global warming on children and to ensure that young people are involved in debate on this issue.
Youth Forum sets stage for ‘A World Fit for Children Plus 5’ UN meeting
NEW YORK, USA, 9 December 2007 – About 75 children from more than 50 countries met at UNICEF headquarters in New York today to prepare for a United Nations session on children’s rights this week.
Junior Eurovision Song Contest and EBU to raise awareness and funds for UNICEF
NEW YORK, USA, 4 December 2007 – The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and UNICEF have formed a unique partnership for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2007, the biggest children’s music event in Europe.
New book, launched at UNICEF, examines legal framework for child rights
NEW YORK, USA, 20 November 2007 – A new guide examining various strategies for implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in different legal systems worldwide was launched today at UNICEF House in New York.
UN task force unveils mental health guidelines for healing communities in emergencies
NEW YORK, USA, 20 November 2007 – The heavy burden of mental health and psychosocial needs in emergencies causes significant problems for children and families around the world. Until recently, however, no comprehensive mental health guidelines were available for field workers on the ground during emergencies.
Team Saatchi and UNICEF celebrate 18 years of children’s rights with new ad
NEW YORK, USA, 14 November 2007 – An entire generation of children has now lived its full 18 years of life under the protection of the CRC.
UNICEF and US Fund host World of Children 10th-anniversary awards
NEW YORK, USA, 8 November 2007 – Teresa Cheptoo, 16, a Kenyan youth activist and passionate opponent of female genital mutilation/cutting, was among eight individuals whose advocacy work was honoured today at the World of Children Awards.
Young ‘Peace Messengers’ from Yokohama support UNICEF
NEW YORK, USA, 30 October 2007 – Four young ‘Peace Messengers’ from Japan’s second largest city today presented UNICEF with a cheque for 17.3 million yen, or about $150,000.
UN Secretary-General hosts ‘Stand Up against Poverty’ event
NEW YORK, USA, 17 October 2007 – Hundreds of people gathered on the lawn of UN headquarters in New York today to join Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the International Day of the Eradication of Poverty, and Stand Up against Poverty 2007.
A platform for young voices in the run-up to the Guatemalan elections
GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, 25 July 2007 – In September, Guatemala will hold their national elections, bringing a new president to the Central American country. The citizens are abuzz with their opinions on the various candidates. Now, one group of Guatemalans that isn’t often recognized at election time – 13 to 17 year olds – are making sure their opinions are heard as well.
Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman take the ‘Long Way Down’ to support landmine education
NEW YORK, USA, 24 July 2007 – Riding a motorcycle from Northern Scotland all the way to South Africa may not be the most expedient form of travel. But for Goodwill Ambassador Ewan McGregor and UNICEF supporter Charley Boorman, it is the trip of a lifetime – an adventure which is helping to raise funds and awareness for children.
Experimental apartment declared a successful alternative to orphanages
RUSTAVI, Georgia, 17 July 2007 - In a town that time seems to have forgotten, there is a building that hasn’t seen much care for years. But seven floors up, UNICEF helped renovate an apartment for an experiment that has already begun to change the lives of children in Georgia.
‘Empowering Hands’ for former child soldiers in Uganda
AMURU, Uganda, 16 July 2007 – Sarah is a former child soldier who was abducted by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) when she was seven years old. She did not return home until last year, at the age of 17, with the help of World Vision, a UNICEF implementing partner.
UN progress report urges new commitment to Millennium Development Goals
NEW YORK, USA, 2 July 2007 – Despite progress made at the halfway point to the deadline for achieving the Millennium Development Goals, the global MDG targets will be achieved only if more concerted action is taken immediately and is sustained until 2015 and beyond.
National Pact reaffirms Brazil’s commitment to 13 million children in impoverished areas
BRASILIA, Brazil, 27 June 2007 – The lives of 13 million children living in Brazil’s impoverished semi-arid region were the focus yesterday during the signing of the second National Pact entitled, ‘A world fit for children and adolescents in the Brazilian semi-arid’.
In South Africa, FC Barcelona and friendly rivals score new goals for children
PRETORIA, South Africa , 22 June 2007 – There was Spanish flamenco dancing, African drumming and the unique trumpeting of the South African ‘vuvuzela’ or air horn – called football’s beautiful noise here.
Parliamentarians in Republic of Korea support UNICEF and ‘A World Fit for Children’
SEOUL, South Korea, 19 June 2007 – A new group, the Korean Parliamentarian Friends of UNICEF, has been established in Seoul to further advance efforts on behalf of the world’s children and to strengthen the partnership between UNICEF and the Republic of Korea.
Online and off, UNICEF’s Innocenti Research Centre extends its reach
FLORENCE, Italy, 5 June 2007 – The UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre (IRC) in Florence was established in 1988 as a centre of reflection and study on sensitive and emerging issues affecting children. It plays a critical role in strengthening UNICEF’s work around evidence-based knowledge.
J8 Summit opens in Germany
WISMAR, Germany, 3 June 2007 – Young people from Group of 8 industrialized countries and the developing world, as well as German federal and state government officials, have gathered here for the official opening of the Junior 8 Summit – the international youth conference with an agenda that parallels the G8 Summit.
Young people gather to debate global issues at Junior 8 Summit in Germany
NEW YORK, USA, 1 June 2007 – Young people from Group of 8 industrialized nations and the developing world are gathering in Germany to participate in this year’s Junior 8 Summit. Mirroring the G8 Summit, which will be commenced on 6 June, the J8 is aimed at empowering young people to take part and voice their opinions in global affairs.
Children in Barbados have their say on development goals
BRIDGETOWN. Barbados, 30 May 2007 – With the timeline for meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) drawing closer, Barbadian teenagers recently had the opportunity to question their government leaders about what was being done to ensure that Barbados reaches the goals – especially MDG 1 on eradicating extreme poverty and hunger.
Global consultation looks to beefing up UNICEF programme communication
NEW YORK, USA, 22 May 2007 – When you think about public campaigns to get people to do things differently, is it the message or the messenger that most catches your attention? It’s hard to find anyone now who hasn’t heard about the harmful effects of tobacco or, say, the importance of washing your hands with soap.
Child-friendly budget forum in Kazakh Parliament addresses local needs
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, 18 April 2007 – A UNICEF-initiated conference focusing on child-friendly local and national budgeting was held last week at the national Parliament here in Kazakhstan’s capital.
Micro-financing empowers women and changes lives in Togo
AGOKPAME, Togo, 28 March 2007 – The women in a coastal village on the Togo-Benin border are doing what they are known for – singing and dancing. But as the soothing tones and rhythms give way to the sounds of coins being dropped into a bowl, it becomes clear there is something else afoot.
UN Executive Boards complete mission to post-war Liberia
MONROVIA, Liberia, 7 March 2007 – After more than 14 years of civil conflict, Liberia is moving forward on the road to recovery.
UNICEF encourages national budget-makers to focus on human rights
NEW YORK, USA, 1 February 2007 – UNICEF hosted a gathering in New York this week to step up the international dialogue on converting national budgets and fiscal policies into instruments for the realization of human rights.
First children’s newspaper launched in Sierra Leone
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone, 18 December 2006 – In an effort to further promote child participation and ensure that the voices of children are heard in national discourse, UNICEF has helped launched ‘Pikin News’ (which translates as ‘Children’s News’), a newspaper developed and produced exclusively by children.
Deputy Executive Director talks women’s and children’s rights in the Middle East and Africa
NEW YORK, USA, 10 December 2006 – As UNICEF launches its flagship annual report, ‘The State of the World’s Children’ – which focuses this year on the links between women’s rights and children’s well-being – UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Rima Salah has just returned from an extensive field visit in which those links featured prominently.
UNICEF Joint Consultation with Gulf Countries
NEW YORK, USA, 29 November 2006 – UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Rima Salah and Director of Programme Funding Karin Hulshof hosted the first Joint Consultation Meeting with Gulf countries yesterday at the agency’s headquarters in New York.
Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus honoured at UN for fighting poverty
NEW YORK, New York, 22 November 2006 – Nobel Peace Prize recipient Muhammad Yunus, founder of the Grameen Bank and the ‘microcredit’ principle, was honoured at the UN this week for his work to eliminate poverty and empower women worldwide.
Youth leaders speak out at African Development Forum
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, 16 November 2006 – The fifth African Development Forum kicked off today as hundreds of delegates, including young people from around the continent, arrived here in the Ethiopian capital to face tomorrow’s challenges.
UN Global Youth Leadership Summit energizes a new generation of activists
NEW YORK, USA, 1 November, 2006 – Nearly 400 young people gathered at UN headquarters this week for the Global Youth Leadership Summit, working together to help breathe life into the Millennium Development Goals – and returning to their countries with revitalized plans to address some of the worst scourges on the planet.
Muhammad Yunus, microcredit pioneer and UNICEF partner, awarded Nobel Peace Prize
NEW YORK, USA, 13 October 2006 – This year’s Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh, a pioneer in microcredit lending whose Grameen Bank has partnered with UNICEF on development projects benefiting vulnerable women and children.
UN interfaith conference promotes dialogue on International Day of Peace
NEW YORK, USA, 26 September 2006 – On the International Day of Peace, religious leaders around the world gathered at UN headquarters to promote a key element for peace-building and development – interfaith dialogue.
UNICEF Executive Director: Girls’ education vital for developing world
NEW YORK, USA, 25 September 2006 – More than half of all children who do not go to school are girls. Achieving universal primary education is a Millennium Development Goal and one of UNICEF’s primary objectives.
‘Religions for Peace’ Youth Assembly opens in Japan to promote non-violence
NEW YORK, USA, 21 August 2006 – More than 300 young religious leaders from countries around the globe have gathered in Japan this week to promote peace and reconciliation.
‘Junior 8’ delegates present youth concerns in historic meeting with G8 leaders
PUSHKIN, Russia, 17 July 2006 – History was made yesterday the Konstantin Palace in the St. Petersburg suburb of Strelno, when delegates from the ‘Junior 8’ Youth Forum met with their nations’ leaders gathered in Russia for the G8 summit.
‘Junior 8’ delegates meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin
PUSHKIN, Russia, 14 July 2006 – Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to meet with delegates at the Junior 8 Youth Forum outside St. Petersburg today, catching the participants in the middle of a video conference with youths in Cairo.
At Junior 8 Youth Forum, delegates strategize to put intolerance in check
PUSHKIN, Russia, 13 July 2006 – UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and chessmaster Anatoly Karpov visited the Junior 8 summit here yesterday to speak with youth delegates about intolerance and his work fighting iodine deficiency among children.
‘Junior 8’ delegates prepare for meeting with G8 summit leaders
PUSHKIN, Russia, 13 July 2006 – Inside the Junior 8 Youth Summit here, 64 young leaders are debating and discussing the recommendations they will deliver to G8 leaders on 16 July.
‘Junior 8’ Youth Forum opens in Russia
PUSHKIN, Russia, 10 July 2006 – With the goal of influencing world leaders, 64 young people from G8 member countries today opened the ‘Junior 8’ Youth Forum, or J8, in Pushkin, near St. Petersburg, Russia.
‘Junior 8’ delegates arrive in Russia for youth summit
PUSHKIN, RUSSIA, 7 July 2006 – Sixty-four youth delegates from G8 member countries have gathered here to debate and agree on a set of recommendations to give world leaders, ahead of the upcoming G8 summit in St. Petersburg.
‘Junior 8’ Youth Forum prepares to meet during G8 summit in St. Petersburg
NEW YORK, USA, 5 July 2006 – In the run-up to the G8 meeting, as government leaders fine-tune their agendas and prepare for the annual international forum, adolescents from the G8 countries are getting ready for a forum of their own.
UNICEF at Oxford: Education experts to confer on reaching children in conflicts
NEW YORK, USA, 10 April 2006 – Around the world approximately 115 million children are out of school. At least half of those children live in countries affected by conflict, while many others are excluded from the basic right to an education because of natural disasters and other crises.
Global Partners Forum pledges action on children and AIDS
LONDON, UK, 10 February 2006 – Partners in the struggle to help children affected by HIV and AIDS wrapped up a two-day meeting pledging to do more and do it better.
Children still missing from the world’s response to HIV/AIDS, Global Partners Forum told
LONDON, UK, 9 February 2006 – Twenty-five years after the first case of AIDS was discovered, children are still missing from the world’s response to the global crisis, UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman told the Global Partners Forum.
Public policy debate focuses on achieving results for children
NEW YORK, USA, 24 January 2006 – Focusing on public policy to help fulfil children’s rights is an important part of UNICEF’s work everywhere. Today at UNICEF headquarters, a debate on public policy and results for children brought together Representatives from the Latin America and Caribbean region, programme and policy experts, communicators and others.
First Islamic Ministerial Conference on the Child ends with landmark declaration
RABAT, Morocco, 9 November 2005 – The First Islamic Ministerial Conference on the Child has concluded its historic two-day meeting with the issuance of a strong 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.
Landmark meeting on children of the Islamic world
RABAT, Morocco, 7 November 2005 – Representatives of over 50 Islamic countries today opened a landmark conference on children’s issues. The conference seeks to provide a foundation for real and lasting progress for the 600 million children – more than a quarter of the world’s child population – who live in Islamic countries.
Groundbreaking Islamic conference on children
NEW YORK, USA, 3 November 2005 – The world is home to 2 billion children. More than a quarter of them – some 600 million girls and boys – live in Muslim countries, where children make up more than 40 per cent of the population.
Investing in children in the Islamic world
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.
Young people at C8 children’s summit insist world leaders listen
EDINBURGH, Scotland, 8 July 2005 – A select group of children from Bhutan, Cambodia, Moldova, Yemen, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Lesotho and Bolivia and their counterparts from Russia, France, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom are heading home after attending UNICEF’s first-ever children’s summit, the C8 Children’s Forum, held in Dunblane and Edinburgh.
Scotland: C8 Children’s Forum draws to a close amid hopes of helping shape the future
DUNBLANE, Scotland, 5 July 2005—As G8 leaders gather in Gleneagles, Scotland, for their annual summit to discuss issues such as debt relief and increased aid to Africa, children from around the world were in the limelight during a summit of their own: the first ever C8 Children’s Forum in nearby Dunblane.
Scotland: UNICEF’s first-ever C8 Children’s Forum brings together young advocates from around the world
DUNBLANE, Scotland, 1 July 2005 – As G8 leaders prepare for their annual summit, to be held 6 July in Scotland, a group of young delegates are also gathering in the UK for a landmark meeting.
Presidents, prime ministers and children discuss global goals in Seoul
SEOUL, South Korea, 31 May 2005 - More than 5,000 participants from 130 countries gathered in Seoul, South Korea on 24-27 May, to consider better ways to implement the Millennium Development Goals at the grassroots level.
Child poverty takes centre stage at New York conference
NEW YORK, 27 April 2005 – Leading academics, policy makers and global experts gathered at the New School University from 25-27 April for a conference entitled ‘Children and Poverty: Global Trends, Local Solutions’.
UNICEF and New School University sponsor conference on ‘Children and Poverty: Global Trends, Local Solutions’
NEW YORK, 22 April 2005 – UNICEF and New York’s New School University are bringing together scholars, policy thinkers and global experts for a conference entitled ‘Children and Poverty: Global Trends, Local Solutions’, from 25-27 April 2005.
UNICEF supports report calling for more aid to Africa
NEW YORK, 11 March 2005 - UNICEF today welcomed the report produced by the UK-led Commission for Africa, which urges the international community, especially the rich nations, to immediately double their foreign aid to Africa.
UNICEF gathers world experts to discuss poverty and children
NEW YORK, 17 February 2005 - Poverty is one of the biggest threats to children across the globe. UNICEF brought together today some of the world’s most renowned economists to discuss how policies can be developed to address the effects of poverty on children.
