Introduction

Introduction

2008 Roundtable on Children's Participation

2008 Roundtable on Children's Participation

 

Introduction

© UNICEF/South Africa/2009/Williams

Through far-reaching research, which was concluded in 2008, UNICEF was able to give critical support to national efforts to extend social safety nets for children.

During 2008 UNICEF made use of its unique position to assist government and civil society to improve the lives of children, particularly those most vulnerable. Through far-reaching research, which was concluded in 2008, UNICEF was able to give critical support to national efforts to extend social safety nets for children.

Investigating Grants
The child support grant is the key government intervention for improving the lives of children in need. UNICEF and key government departments conducted joint research reviewing how the child support grant is implemented. Government has started implementing some of the recommendations of the study by extending the age of eligibility from 14 to 17 years, and by gradually increasing the amount of the grant.

The research also looked at barriers to accessing the existing child support grant, and it evaluates the effect that the grant has on both the quality of life of the child and on the wider community.

The child support grant leads to a reduction in poverty in households that receive it, and there are many positive outcomes for children, such as improved health and nutrition and increased school attendance and performance. In some very poor households the grant money is used to support not only the targeted child but the entire household, which includes other children not eligible for the grant.

© UNICEF/South Africa/2008/Schermbrucker

By providing training and information, the parliamentary strategy enables parliamentarians to make informed decisions which are in the best interests of children.

Engaging with Parliamentarians
In 2007 UNICEF established an office in Cape Town with the primary responsibility of engaging with parliament on issues relating to children and women. Building on this link, UNICEF was able to take its work in this area further this year, spearheading key meetings and advocacy campaigns.

The parliamentary strategy focuses on the broad theme of deepening democracy and creating good governance. By providing training and information, it enables parliamentarians to make informed decisions which are in the best interests of children.

Making parliamentarians more aware of the rights of children was an important element of UNICEF’s advocacy, and through the National Council of Provinces, it convened a round table meeting where members of parliament reflected on how they could improve the quality of child-related legislation and policies.

To highlight the importance of a collective voice for the continent’s children, and the strategic role that parliamentarians play in making sure it is heard, UNICEF is also engaging with parliamentary groups across Africa. Through partnerships with the Pan African Parliament, the Association of the European Parliamentarians for Africa and the Inter-Parliamentary Union it is intensifying the efforts of regional parliamentarians on achieving key Millennium Development Goals relevant to children.

To ensure the voices of children are heard, UNICEF arranged a round table meeting between young people, parliamentarians and civil society to find ways of enhancing children’s understanding of and participation in parliament. This led to a plan to strengthen organisations working with children. The meeting looked at how children and members of parliament could come together to discuss children’s concerns. The 2008 round table programme also showcased best practice examples of children and youth participation in existing structures such as the Junior Mayoral Council, Representative Council of Learners, Office on the Rights of the Child, the Children’s Institute and Molo Songololo.