Summary:

One of the assignments for the Liaison Officer (monitoring) post in the first quarter is reviewing reports of national child rights coalition's regional meetings. Over the past six years such meetings took place in Latin America, South East Asia, South Asia, Europe, West Africa and Arab countries.

INTRODUCTION One of the assignments for the Liaison Officer (monitoring) post in the first quarter is reviewing reports of national child rights coalition's regional meetings. Over the past six years such meetings took place in Latin -America, South East Asia, South Asia, Europe, West Africa and Arab countries. This review exercise seeks to have special focus on:

Identification of what issues coalitions have expressed an interest in, Common problems encountered by the coalitions Conclusions and ways forward.

One of the assumptions guiding this paper is that the information contained therein would not only appraise the Management Committee of the above-mentioned areas, but also assist with guiding the Liaison Unit's work next year and possibly thereafter.

The report highlights the main issues emerging from each regional report and presented in the order they occurred. Also included are comments from other reports pertaining to studies of national coalitions in several countries. It closes with some suggestions for the way the Liaison Unit's might work. Every attempt is made to keep this report brief, in order not to weary the reader with too much detail.

Before going to the body of the report it should be recognized that this exercise was made possible through the kind assistance of Eva Geidenmark (NGO Group Task Force chairperson), Radda Barnen who sent all the reports.

LATIN AMERICA

The report entitled FIRST LATIN AMERICAN MEETING TO MONITOR THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD, covers a meeting which took place December 8-10, 1992 in Lima and convened by the then, Regional Collective to support the monitoring of the Convention. Representatives from thirteen Spanish speaking countries attended that meeting. Notably absent were representation from Brazil and the Caribbean and the reasons were not evident in the report.

1. Issues of common interest to Coalitions

The report does not explicitly outline issues of common concern to the Coalitions, although their experiences appeared to have been quite similar. At the time of the meeting, most coalitions were new and concerned with preparing Alternative Reports to the UN Committee on the CRC. Hence a great portion of that meeting was devoted to strengthening their network and improving their capacities in monitoring their respective governments.

In true Latin American style the meeting ended with a declaration, which highlighted the following issues:

Government responsibility in making the UN Committeeís concluding observations public to all. Greater cooperation between state and civil society in monitoring the implementation of the Convention. Greater recognition and support given to youth and children's initiatives. Child and youth participation in monitoring Greater legitimacy and support given to children and adolescents as members of society.

2. Common Problems

Coalitions were basically responsive to temporary demands without a clear vision for sustained and permanent work. Difficulty getting sufficient data from government and NGO sources for preparing their alternative reports Little understanding among their constituency of the Convention No mechanisms to align the activities of the coalitions with the activities of their members, and the problems associated with this situation. these include lack of trust and jealousy among members, resource constraints. Lack of defined policies in international cooperation, beyond "concrete and specific" projects. Children issues becoming fashionable and trendy among several organizations without sufficient organizations and cooperation. Children not incorporated in monitoring the implementation of the Convention.

The writer is not aware of the fate of this regional network. In a recent meeting with the Honduras National Coalition (who incidentally was not at the 1992 meeting), their representatives made no mention was of this network in relation to regional cooperation. Instead, a Central America alliance appears to exist however.

NGOs FROM ARABIAN SOCIETIES

A regional workshop for "Local Arab NGOs" was held at Aya Napa, Cyprus May 9-11, 1994. The title of that workshop was RIGHTS OF THE CHILD: REALITIES NEEDS AND CHALLENGES. The same title was used for the regional report. Unfortunately the report came without a participants list, but the body of the report suggested that there were representatives from Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Sudan, the Occupied Territory, Morocco and Egypt.

1. Issues of Common Interest to Coalitions

Often appearing throughout this and all the reports is that a significant amount of time is devoted to sharing experiences and strategies to ensure the implementation and monitoring of the Convention. During this process issues were covered and outlined in the recommendations. They included:

The formation of national coalitions Bringing greater public attention to the Convention Integrating the Convention in training and rehabilitation programs directly concerned with children. Children participation in advocacy and documentation ARC's role as a "focal point" for promoting the development of child rights work Broad based participation in the formation of National Coalitions Special attention to children in difficult circumstances such as - children in war and natural disaster, under occupation or siege, street children and so on.

2. Common Problems

At the time of the workshop most, if not all countries present did not have national NGO Coalitions. The workshop may have played a significant role in encouraging the formation of national coalitions but this is only speculation on the writer's part. There is little doubt however, that some progress has been made since 1994. Therefore this section of the report comes out wanting by way of giving any indication on what are the current concerns and issues.

SOUTH ASIAN WORKSHOP

In December 3-5, 1996 several NGO/Coalition representatives, mainly from South Asia met in Katmandu, Nepal. Entitled WORKSHOP ON NGO COALITIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF REPORTING AND MONITORING THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD; representatives came from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and other countries outside the region, such as South Africa and Vietnam. At the time of the workshop, five countries in that region were at different stages of reporting to the UN Committee, and all had prepared NGO coalition Alternative Reports. The primary aim of the workshop was to improve the effectiveness of NGO coalitions in South Asia with particular emphasis on the monitoring and reporting processes required by the Convention. The workshop was not meant to be issue focused, although it recognized that there might be common thematic interests and concerns. Unlike the previously mentioned report, this document is quite complex and for good reason. The writer in the opening section of the report, expressed "there has been an enormous amount of learning from sharing experiences which could benefit the entire NGO movement working on child rights in the region."

1. Issues of common interest to Coalitions

There was a remarkable association between the issues the report raised and the NGO Group's thematic interests. All the participating countries had concerns about child labour in one form or another, violence and armed conflict were also important issues for most countries. Not surprisingly Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal raised concerns about sexual exploitation and all were concerned about juvenile justice. Regarding method of work a few issues were recurrent throughout the report: - Child participation in reporting, monitoring and advocacy. The ethical and cultural implications embracing this approach to child rights work.

The Alternative Report as a tool for advocacy and awareness raising. Methods in making gender differentiation evident in reporting etc. Complexities in working with Governments as partners and protagonists Role of INGOs and UNICEF in supporting child rights work and their relationship with national coalitions.

2. Common Problems encountered by Coalitions

The Challenge of making and keeping child rights work connected to grass roots interest and advocacy. Difficulties with data collection and accessing information from government sources. Difficulties in relationships between NGO coalitions that exist in the same country. Absence of sufficient spirit of cooperation. Ineffective in ascertaining political commitment to the Convention.

3. Lessons Learnt

Some time was devoted for each country representative to share some of the lessons learnt, worth mentioning as they may have some wider implications for the way other coalitions could work.

Keep goals and ambitions at realistic levels Work more closely with the media to get greater and wider publicity to child rights issues. Pressure Governments in order to ensure that they are faithful to the Convention Use every opportunity to popularize the Convention.

4. Way Forward

On the question of the way forward a few ideas came out of that workshop which could have direct bearing on the way the Liaison Unit works. These were:

Greater media attention in Geneva to national coalitions attending CRC session. Ensuring "good" NGO representation at the Geneva meeting. The Workshop participants, after some discussion defined "good" as truly representative, selected through a transparent method, informed. More work on developing indicators for monitoring and disseminating information and experiences on same. Ensure wider distribution on CRIN to national coalitions and NGOs involved in child rights work.

SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

Through the support of the Save the Children Alliance, national coalition representatives from twelve countries in Southeast Asia and the Pacific met between 30 November - 4 December 1997 in the Philippines. The report entitled EXPERIENCES OF NGO COALITIONS AND GOVERNEMENT INSTITUTIONS IN REPORTING AND MONITORING THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD, was complied in an interesting way, as it sought to serve both as a record of the discussions and a training manual. With regards to the latter the report/manual covers such areas as monitoring, child participation, developing indicators and networking. Against a backdrop of illustrations, what was in fact a fairly dense report turned out rather user friendly.

1. Issues of Common Interest

Regarding the common issues/problems faced by national coalitions in that region, four viewpoints were highlighted, namely:

NGOs need independence and flexibility thus, the formation of national coalitions might lead to compromise for potential member agencies. Some NGOs have different ideological positions on children. Coalitions are needed as a voice to be dealt with by government and workable, as long as the members agree on common grounds. Too many networks are problematic and reduce effectiveness.

It was also recognized that limited participation of some NGOs in national coalitions is due to resource and staff limitations. Resource requirements (especially financial resources) for monitoring (including the development of indicators) and reporting (including data collection) on the CRC.

Towards the end of the workshop the participants did a synthesis of the main issues. These included:

Broad based participation which involve on-going consultation and networking among key players; strengthening and expanding networks/coalitions/linkages; coordinate and network among Governments, NGOs and professionals Real Children's Participation. The workshop recognized this objectives necessitated dynamic, meaningful, genuine participation of children. Also children's participation in the implementation of the CRC. Adults had a responsibility to find innovative methods to involve children in monitoring and reporting processes. The media had a responsible role to play, such as dissemination of the report in the local language(s) to the public, ongoing awareness and advocacy on CRC; disseminating the CRC on mass media. The group recognized there were ethical issues that must be addressed with this sector. Political commitment to children. Such a commitment necessitated mobilizing human and managerial resources; monitoring continuously at all levels including the community; having a focal point in the monitoring system among other things. Indicators are key for monitoring CRC implementation.

2. Summary of Country Plans (Way Forward)

Organizational consolidation and networking Information dissemination /promotion and advocacy on CRC Improve/consolidate the monitoring and reporting systems Define/consolidate/improve/finalize indicators Enhance children's participation Develop empowerment programs/enhance community participation to implement the provisions of the CRC. Follow-up overdue country reports Propose changes to the national laws/regulations in accordance with the CRC and international standards. Conduct research and documentation on the administration of juvenile justice and the issue of violence against children. Conduct lobby work with government to prioritize children's issues and to seek legal framework to protect children.

EUROPE

The Task Force on NGO Coalitions was among the organizations instrumental in staging the first European meeting of national coalitions. Held in Berlin on March 3-5 1998, the meeting had a threefold purpose:

To enable national coalitions to share experiences and information To promote thereby more successful approaches to the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, both on the national and European levels; To work out a strategy for better future cooperation between national coalitions across Europe.

Representatives from twenty-one countries from both Western and Eastern Europe attended. The coalitions were at various stages of development, but shared a common interest in what they wanted to accomplish in advancing children's rights. The report from which this section is gleaned is entitled, FIRST EUROPEAN REGIONAL MEETING OF NATIONAL NGO COALITIONS FOR CHILDREN'S RIGHTS. From the standpoint of lay out, the report was (at least for the reader) most user friendly. The main section of the report was devoted to a concise sixteen pages with a range of information in the appendixes, such as data on coalitions, details on workshops discussions and list of participants, to mention a few. The report therefore serves not only as a record of an important occasion, but also as a source for information and training in various aspects of child rights work.

1. Issues of Common Interest to Coalitions

Seven areas were pre-selected for the meetings, which largely centered on sustaining viable coalitions, improving advocacy and enabling children to participate in these and other processes. With regards to the reporting process the group concerned with "keeping children's rights on the agenda," raised several concerns. Among them were the need for child rights specific indicators, the best way of making the Committee's concluding observations understandable to children.

2. Common Problems Encountered by Coalitions

Most coalitions have difficulty involving children directly in their work. Children issues and the Convention tend to be too low on the political agenda. Financial difficulties in maintaining on-going monitoring Scale of monitoring all children everywhere. Difficulties of making comparisons of children across the boundaries. Media did not play and active role in disseminating information about child. rights in all the countries represented at the meeting. Refugee children are not treated in full accordance with the Convention.

3. Lessons Learnt

In all the areas of concern and problems mentioned above, the workshop participants were able to sight examples of positive changes or good practices. On that basis, as well as the apparently rich discussions that took place, a concise list of realistic recommended strategies was created. It would be important to find out if and to what extent the list is used by European national coalitions.

The workshop closed with an agreement to hold another general workshop early 1999 followed by further regional meeting around various themes such as street children, homelessness and child participation.

WESTAFRICA

Radda Barnen/Sweden has been among the foremost INGOs supporting thecreation and development of national NGO coalitions for children rights and therefore a common "denominator" throughout all the regional meeting reported on thus far. The West African consultation was no different. The meeting took place in Guinea-Bissau on March 17- 20 this year, and the third in a series of consultations, which began in 1994. Representatives from nine West African countries attended, along with others from Mauritius, Cape Verde and Niger. Regrettably unstable conditions in that country prevented publications and circulation of the final officia report. Therefore the information presented in this section came from an internal report and study carried out be Eva Geidenmark, a Radda Barnen staff person who has for some time been closely involved with national coalitions in this and other.

The second document used in this section is a report of a study done by Eva is entitled "Fighting for Rights of the Child in West Africa" and produces in August 1997. This document is quite relevant, as all the coalitions that participated in the consultation were part of the study which was completed a few months before.

Issues of Common Interest

1. Develop and consolidate coalitions at national level before developing a regional structure. 2. Dissemination of information to various target groups including children, employing creative methods for effectively sends the messages. 3. Training for a range of professionals who directly relate to children. Training in advocacy strategies was recognized in at least one country. 4. Preparation of complimentary/alternative reports. 5. Influencing the legislative and policy making systems to change both law and policies in compliance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. 6. Employing research methods to strengthen advocacy, child centered programs and monitoring.

Common Problems

1. Sustained financing of coalitions' work.

2. Weak associations with governments

3. Inexperience in networking

4. In some instances, weak leadership

Insufficient clarity in the relationship between coalitions and international organizations.

Matrix Summary

The matrix below provides an concise account of the discussions from the regional reports outlined above. First a few tips on reading the matrix not all issues, problems and plans are mentioned in all instances, but generally the most common. The regional reports are abbreviated thus Latin America (LA), Arab countries (AB), South Asia (SA), Southeast Asia (SEA), Europe (EU) and West Africa (WA).

Most reports did not explicitly devote a section under this subheading. However the body of all the reports strongly suggest that a great deal was learnt and shared. Both Southeast Asia and Europe reports provide information on good practices and guidelines for action on various issues. Possibly the "Lessons Learnt" in the Southeast Asia report reflects the views of all the other regions, namely:

Keep goals and ambitions at realistic levels Work closely with the media to get wider publicity to child rights issues Pressure Governments in order to ensure that they are faithful to the Convention Use every opportunity to popularize the Convention.

Prepared by

Denise Allen Liaison Officer (monitoring) 1998 NGO Group for the Convention on the Rights of the Child c/o Defence for Children International Casa Postale Box 88 CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland Tel +41 22 734 0558 Fax +41 22 740 1145 email dci-ngo.group@pingnet.ch

Organisation Contact Details:

NGO Group for the Convention on the Rights of the Child
1 rue Varembé
1202 Geneva
Tel: + 41 22 740 47 30
Email: secretariat@childrightsnet.org
Website: www.childrightsnet.org

Last updated 05/05/2002 16:44:13