12 February 2010 - CRINMAIL Violence against Children 48
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- HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL: Annual debate on the Rights of the Child [event]
- VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN: SRSG Annual Report [publication]
- UN: EU politician tapped for UN post against sexual violence [news]
- EMPLOYMENT: SRSG on Violence Against Children Hiring [job postings]
- RESOURCES: Latest news, reports and events on the CRIN Violence site
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This list is the primary means of communication for NGOs interested in the follow up to the UN Study on Violence Against Children. Updates are sent approximately once a month. Please feel free to forward these updates to others who may be interested.
If you do not receive this email in html format, you will not be able to see some hyperlinks in the text. At the end of each item we have therefore provided a full URL linking to a web page where further information is available.
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HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL: Annual debate on the Rights of the Child [event]
Annual debate on the rights of the child at the Human Rights Council Session. This year, the debate is on sexual violence against children.
Every year, during its March session, the Human Rights Council dedicates a day to the rights of the child. During the same period the HRC also adopts a Resolution on the Rights the Child. This year, the debate and the Resolution will both be on the theme of sexual violence against children.
The aim of this discussion is to raise awareness about the question of sexual violence against children, reaffirm existing standards and commitments, highlight good practices and lessons learnt from work over the years, identify key challenges and anticipate future work.
It is hoped the meeting will contribute to the understanding of sexual violence in the daily lives of children and in times of emergencies. It should address specifically how it affects both boys and girls, identify the main challenges in addressing sexual violence, and agree recommendations for future action.
The discussion will build upon core international standards and commitments and draw upon the work of human rights bodies and mechanisms and the experience of other key actors. The context of the discussion will be the recent 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the 10th anniversary of the first two Optional Protocols, the process of follow up to the recommendations of the UN Study on Violence Against Children and the follow up to the III World Congress Against Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents.
The day will be divided into two panel sessions. The first one will focus on manifestations of sexual violence against children, and the second, will focus on the prevention of sexual violence and respsonses. Each session will hear from a number of experts and will be followed by a debate during which States, Independent Human Rights Institutions and NGOs can make interventions.
Panellists are not yet confirmed but will most likely include: Marta Santos Pais, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children. She will also be presenting her first report to the HRC on 11 March, where we are expecting her to present the strategic direction for her mandate.
Other panellists should include the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, Ms. Najat M’jid Maalla, and Radhika Coomaraswamy, Secretary-General's Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. There will also be NGO representatives on each panel as well as a representative of UNICEF.
As in previous years, NGOs with the appropriate accreditation can attend and submit written submissions and deliver oral statements. It is strongly recommended that NGOs coordinate their efforts and prioritise on joint statements as there is never enough time for all statements to be presented.
Two NGO working groups are coordinating joint activities for this session: the Working Group for the Human Rights Council and the Working Group on Violence Against Children. Both groups function under the umbrella of the NGO Group for the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Find out more here: http://www.childrightsnet.org/
Other events will include:
For more information, contact:
UN Human Rights Council
Website: http://www.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/
Visit: http://www.crin.org/resources/infoDetail.asp?ID=21699
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VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN: SRSG Annual Report [publication]
This is the first report to be presented by Marta Santos Pais, the Special Representative on Violence Against Children, at the 13th session of the UN Human Rights Council. She is scheduled to speak on the 11th March 2010.
Download her report online here: http://www.crin.org/resources/infoDetail.asp?ID=21722
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UN: EU politician tapped for UN post against sexual violence [news]
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has appointed outgoing European Commission vice president Margot Wallstrom as his special representative for fighting sexual violence against women and children in conflict.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon announced the selection of Margot Wallstrom for the special representative post during his opening speech at the African Union's 14th summit in Addis Ababa.
Among the items topping the agenda are armed conflicts in Somalia, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the brutal rape of women and children has become disturbingly common.
Wallstrom reacted to the nomination on Sunday saying she would lobby for sexual violence in war to be recognised as a war crime, attacking what she said was a tendency to explain the abuse of women as "cultural."
"Sexual violence is a war crime"
"I say this is not cultural, it is criminal. It is a crime under international law and it is also a war crime," she said.
Wallstrom spent the last ten years of her career in Brussels, most recently as vice president of the European Commission. Since 2004, she served as the commission's vice president in charge of Institutional Relations and Communications. Wallstrom pushed for more women to serve on the European Commission.
During her tenure in Swedish politics, she served as a minister responsible for consumer affairs, women and youth from 1988-1991.
Ban said Wallstrom would be responsible for intensifying the UN's efforts to end sexual violence used as a weapon against civilian populations.
"I am horrified and outraged by the use of rape as a weapon of war," Ban said.
Ban announced last November that the UN would renew a $10.5 million (7.5 million euros) campaign to oppose violence against women.
Further information
[Source: Deutsche Welle]
Visit: http://www.crin.org/resources/infoDetail.asp?ID=21624
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- EMPLOYMENT: SRSG on Violence Against Children Hiring [job postings]
The Office of the Special Representative on Violence Against Children, Marta Santos Pais is now recruiting for the posts of: Special Assistant, Communications Specialist and Programme Specialist. All three posts are based in New York and are open to NGO applicants. Deadline for all posts is 19 February.
Below are the details and links for the posts, with job descriptions. If for some reason these do not work, you can also access the posts by going to the UNICEF website (www.unicef.org), go to “Job Seekers” on the left hand side of the page, then to “Start unregistered job search,” then type the job title you are interested in into the keyword field.
Special Assistant
The incumbent advises and assists the Assistant Secretary-General (ASG), Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, in the discharge of her Mandate.
Responsibilities include: Advises on the formulation of policy and initiatives and ensures follow-up to issues requiring the attention of the ASG. Undertakes missions with, or on behalf of the ASG and represents her at meetings, as appropriate. Reviews and proposes action on communications addressed to the ASG; drafts, edits, and proof-reads reports, speeches, briefing notes and other written material for the ASG. Monitors and keeps the ASG informed of relevant developments, within and outside the U.N. Liaises regularly with UN system partners and government delegations. Also liaises with other key partners, including regional organizations, civil society organizations, parliamentarians, religious leaders and Ombudsmen for Children. Manages the immediate office of the ASG, including formulation and monitoring of the budget, recruitment and supervision of staff and the development and implementation of a financing strategy. Undertakes articulation and positioning of the agenda for the protection of children from all forms of violence, through public outreach and international mobilization for action.
Qualifications of Successful Candidate
Advanced university degree (Masters Degree or equivalent) in social sciences, law, international relations or other relevant field. First level university degree with a combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive experience in protection, rights and well-being of children may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience with the United Nations, national government or NGOs, with proven track record in programme management, policy analysis and formulation, and advocacy. Direct experience in the area of child rights including child protection from violence being an advantage.
Solid knowledge of the UN system and institutional process required.
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, excellent oral and written English are required. Knowledge of at least a second official United Nations language, preferably French, is desirable.
Competencies of Successful Candidate
Professionalism: In-depth knowledge of issues related to the rights, protection and well-being of children, particularly on children’s protection from violence. Demonstrates professional competence and proven track record in programme management, policy analysis and formulation, and advocacy and partnerships building within and beyond the UN system. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; strong advocacy skills; gender sensitivity and commitment to incorporating gender perspectives into substantive work.
Communication: Possesses excellent and effective communication skills both in writing and in oral presentations. Creativity: Ability to seek and implement effective solutions to problems, taking into account all possible angles.
Planning and organization: Proven ability to plan and manage the work of the office with both attention to detail and the broader context. Managing Performance: Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines.
Vision: Strong analytical skills to identify strategic issues, opportunities and risks, and recommend strategies and policies with regard to initiatives for the protection of children from violence.
Apply: https://careers.unicef.org/sap/bc/webdynpro/sap/hrrcf_a_posting_apply?PARAM=cG9zdF9pbnN0X2d1aWQ9NEI2Q0ZBNDE2RkY3MDJGQUUxMDAwMDAwOUU3MTBGMEYmY2FuZF90eXBlPUVYVA%3d%3d&sap-client=100&sap-language=EN&sap-accessibility=X
Communications Specialist
Under the overall supervision of the Special Assistant of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, and in close coordination with the SRSG-VAC, the incumbent is responsible for the planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation of communications strategy designed to support the mandate of the OSRSG-VAC.
The communication strategy will build awareness of VAC issues, foster international networking, and collaborative action for the rights and protection of children from all forms of violence in line with the mandate and objectives of the OSRSG-VAC. The incumbent shall develop an advocacy and communications strategy for the Office. This strategy should seek to forge synergies and partnerships with the communications offices of other UN partners, NGOs and other partners working on related issues. Develop a work plan and contribute to implementation of the strategy and monitor and appraise impact. In consultation with other members of the Office, produce and edit the content of the website of the Special Representative to ensure that it contains focused, specific and up-to-date material. Oversee maintenance of SRSG’s website as a key interactive communication tool. Draft speeches and prepare other public information material in line with the advocacy objectives of the office. Advise the SRSG/VAC on the effective use of communication tools, including press briefings, conferences and media interviews to achieve advocacy objectives. Support outreach strategies of the office. The Communications Officer will also support outreach and liaison with key partners, Permanent Missions, including NGOs and civil society through the organization of special events.
Qualifications of Successful Candidate
Advanced university degree (Masters Degree or equivalent) in communications, journalism, public relations or in a related field. A first level university degree with a combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive experience in protection, rights and well-being of children may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, journalism or related field experience is required. Experience with planning and organization of special events is required. Experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder participation in inter-governmental processes is required. Practical experience in servicing inter-governmental bodies including planning and organizing technical meetings, workshops or seminars is highly desirable. Experience dealing with child protection issues is desirable.
Solid knowledge of the UN system and institutional process required.
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Working knowledge of French, is desirable.
Competencies of Successful Candidate
Professionalism: Thorough knowledge of a full range of communications approaches, tools and methodologies essential to planning and executing advocacy strategies and programmes. Media savvy and an aptitude for, and understanding of, outreach and advocacy. Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources.
Communication: Clear, concise written and verbal communication skills. Ability to understand media needs and to synthesize information and communicate complex issues in a coherent, compelling and speedy manner. Ability to network and leverage resources.
Teamwork: Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with counterparts across both inter office and organizational boundaries. Ability to work in support of, and in cooperation with others.
Planning and organizing: Proven ability to prioritize and organize own work.
Apply: https://careers.unicef.org/sap/bc/webdynpro/sap/hrrcf_a_posting_apply?PARAM=cG9zdF9pbnN0X2d1aWQ9NEI2QzhEMjk2MTExMDJGQ0UxMDAwMDAwOUU3MTBGMEYmY2FuZF90eXBlPUVYVA%3d%3d&sap-client=100&sap-language=EN&sap-accessibility=X
Programme Specialist
The office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children works on the basis of a team approach and shared accountabilities in supporting the mandate of the SRSG.
Within delegated authority and under the overall guidance and supervision of the pertinent OSRSG Officer, the incumbent has the following responsibilities: (I) Researches, analyzes and presents information related to the protection of children from all forms of violence gathered from diverse sources. (II) Prepares or contributes to various written outputs, including initial drafts of selected mandated reports of the Office. (III) Supports OSRSG monitoring and tracking of progress in the follow-up to the recommendations to the UN Study on VAC. This may include, inter alia: serve as secretary of the Inter-Agency Working Group on Violence Against Children. (IV) Maintains contacts with other UN, Regional Organizations, NGO partners, as well as Member States, providing feedback as required on various issues of concern. (V) Supports the participation of young people in relevant processes. (VI) Performs other duties, as required.
Qualifications of Successful Candidate
Advanced university degree (Masters Degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international humanitarian law or other related field. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in international relations, international human rights and child rights law and related areas, preferably in an international organization. Experience in the field of child rights and child protection required. Experience in intergovernmental work, particularly in providing substantive support to intergovernmental processes is desirable. Experience in monitoring and evaluation of programmes is desirable.
Proficiency in work processing, spreadsheet and presentation software is required (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint).
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French, is desirable.
Competencies of Successful Candidate
Professionalism: In-depth knowledge of issues related to the rights and protection of children against all forms of violence. Ability to work under pressure, abide by UN rules and regulations and persist when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; remains calm in stressful situations. Ability to collaborate with counterpart actors both inter-office and organizational boundaries. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; excellent research and proven report drafting skills; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having a two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Teamwork: Works collaboratively with all colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input and offers feedback by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team short-comings.
Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies and accountabilities; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
Apply: https://careers.unicef.org/sap/bc/webdynpro/sap/hrrcf_a_posting_apply?PARAM=cG9zdF9pbnN0X2d1aWQ9NEI2QzhERkI2MTExMDJGQ0UxMDAwMDAwOUU3MTBGMEYmY2FuZF90eXBlPUVYVA%3d%3d&sap-client=100&sap-language=EN&sap-accessibility=X
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- RESOURCES: Latest news, reports and events on the CRIN Violence site
VIOLENCE: Promotion of protagonist and meaningful participation of children and adolescents exposed to violence, Publication by Save the Children.
Visit: http://www.crin.org/resources/infoDetail.asp?ID=21711
INDONESIA: Sex abuse exams violate children's rights, 21 January 2010
Visit: http://www.crin.org/resources/infodetail.asp?id=21560
URUGUAY: Report of the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, 2 February 2010
Visit: http://www.crin.org/violence/search/closeup.asp?infoID=21714
HAITI: UN EXPERTS: Separated Haitian children risk being sold, trafficked or kept in slave-like conditions, 3 February 2010.
Visit: http://www.crin.org/resources/infoDetail.asp?ID=21704&flag=news
MAURITANIA: Fatwa alone will not stop female genital mutilation, 2 February 2010
Visit: http://www.crin.org/resources/infoDetail.asp?ID=21673&flag=news
More information on the CRIN Violence website: http://www.crin.org/violence
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