Say Yes, Spring 2004: In This Issue

WE ARE NOT A DANGER, WE ARE IN DANGER

A World Fit for Children -- the outcome document adopted by 180 nations at the United Nations Special Session on Children (UNSSC) -- reasserts every child’s right to self-fulfilment and the right to develop in dignity and security. The document’s Declaration commits signatory nations to completing the unfinished agenda of the 1990 World Summit for Children (WSC) and to achieving other goals and objectives -- particularly those of the Millennium Declaration which require a special focus on the most disadvantaged children in every society.

At the centre of this special focus are children at risk of coming into contact with the law, many of whom come from under-privileged, impoverished and certainly disadvantaged backgrounds.

We look at how UNICEF aims to promote the protection of children in cases where they come into conflict with the law; and to improve protection of children from violence, abuse.

Read Every Child Matters.

PATIENCE AND DETERMINATION

One of the most common reasons given by women for the early termination of breast-feeding is their apparent inability to produce enough breastmilk. This generally leads them to use formula supplements -- an all to easy solution to the distress caused by a hungry, crying baby.

However, even the highest quality, most hygienically prepared formula foods cannot compete with the anti-infection, nutrient qualities of human milk. New mothers are often unaware that regular suckling is required to start the flow of milk and that lactation will increase as suckling continues.

In this issue we present the story of a mother who, with a little guidance, moral support and determination was able to overcome the problem.

We also include an update on the drive to promote exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months which is under way in Diyarbakır and İstanbul. The objective is to ensure that babies in both provinces enjoy their right to the best start in life.

Read how Breastfeeding is .. Baby-friendly.

WHERE TO NOW?

For society, a juvenile offender exists somewhere on the blurred boundary between our responsibility to guide and nurture children and the obligation to punish criminality. Popular dismay and even fear of anti-social behaviour amongst children tends to overlook issues of child poverty and social disadvantage which are common root causes of the problem. Peer relationships and the pitfalls of adolescent displacement and insecurity can disorientate even the most advantaged children, leading them to come into contact with the law.

At the heart of this emotional debate are the adolescents themselves -- confused about how they arrived at this point, uncertain as to how they will get back.

In this issue we feature the brief stories of three children -- Ahmet, viewing his situation with circumspection; Semih looking for hope on the road south; and Hasan, for whom there is sadly no longer a future.

Read A Grim Road.

FUNDING SUPPORT

There remains a great deal to be done between now and 2005 if UNICEF is to achieve the goals which aim for improvements in the areas of health, education and child protection in Turkey.

Since funding is necessary to put plans and strategies into action, UNICEF continues to seek help in funding programmes and projects in Turkey.

This year there have already been many exciting developments in this respect and many more will follow in 2004 as we further expand our partnership programme into both the public and private sectors.

For more information about how you can support UNICEF programmes and projects in Turkey, read Making a Difference for Children.