Perspectives

Human Rights

UNICEF´s global vision for children in the twenty first century is to increasingly link human rights to its development assistance. The Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women - the latter just recently ratified by São Tomé e Principe - are key instruments to improve human rights as a whole. The UNICEF programme approach will be rights-based, ensuring in effect that all UNICEF supported actions advance the rights of our target groups.

 

National Commission for Children and Youth

UNICEF has strongly advocated for a National Commission , which should be the protector of the rights of children. The Commission would have the responsibility to report to the Committee on the Convention on the Rights of the Child on progress achieved in child rights. In addition, the Commission would make proposals to promote opportunities for youth in obtaining professional training and scholarships abroad. It is expected that the Commission will be launched in 1999.

 

Participation by Children and Youth

UNICEF is striving for a far greater participation by children and youth in their own development. In the next years, UNICEF will establish links to youth groups in order to create educational and economic opportunities. Through the Child to Child approach in school health, children themselves will play an important role in improving health and hygiene in schools and communities.

 

Collaboration with the Media

UNICEF wishes to strengthen its collaboration with the media in the country. Feature writing on UNICEF projects by Santomean journalists has begun with a feature article in news-reel. The journalists could play a useful role in supporting a media based dialogue on human rights.

 

Network of Non Governmental Organizations

UNICEF has proposed the creation of a network of NGOs. The network could take the form of an umbrella organization. Such a network would represent: a valuable source of information exchange; a vehicle for project cooperation; and a link for mutual capacity building. The constituting meeting of the Network could take place in the second half of 1999.

 

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