UNICEF actions
UNICEF works to influence the policy agenda and the attitudes of those who can make a difference for children. We aim to ensure that children’s issues are covered by influential media, that UNICEF research is widely disseminated and that government officials and professionals working with and for children are aware of the principles enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the implications this has for their work. We work with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, particularly its Office of Welfare Promotion, Protection and Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups, to train government officials to raise awareness of child rights among their peers. Training workshops have also been held for students of mass communication on child rights, ethical reporting and the problems facing children in Thailand. In 2004, UNICEF and the Thai Journalists Association inaugurated the first Thai Child Friendly Media Award for both professionals and university students of journalism. The award was won by Matichon newspaper for coverage of birth registration issues in Mae Ai and by students at Chiang Mai University for reporting on the local use of child labour. The award has so far continued to be given to local media with additional awards for television, radio and print reporting. The Best Child Rights Reporting Award 2007 was given to Kom Chad Leuk newspaper. UNICEF also designs and distributes materials for behaviour change programmes aimed at promoting child friendly practices and a more protective environment for children. These include health and nutritional messages, such as the importance of breastfeeding, iodized salt consumption and immunization. We advocate for best practices in communities and for government monitoring and action on health issues affecting women and children. One of the most important issues we are working on now is preventing the spread of Avian Influenza. To keep children safe from any outbreak, we are joining hands with local communities, the government and other development agencies to produce posters, pamphets, TV spots and other materials to show people how to minimize the risk of infection and respond to any emergency.
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