Asia: 3rd South Asia Forum (SAF) Minister's Meeting

Summary: The SAF will hold its 3rd Minster’s Meeting in Katmandu, Nepal. To discuss the new organisational structure for SAF, future plans for collaboration with SAARC, and a 5 year workplan to end violence against children

The South Asia Forum for Ending Violence Against Children (SAF) is organising the 3rd
SAF Minister's Meeting in Kathmandu to discuss the new organisational structure for SAF, future plans for collaboration with SAARC, and a 5 year workplan to end violence against children. The Consultation is hosted by the Nepal Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare, current SAF Secretariat.

The South Asia Forum for Ending Violence Against Children (SAF) met in Kathmandu on 21-22 January 2010 for the 4th time. Taking stock of progress and the opportunities presented, the 4th Meeting of the SAF Coordinators endorsed a new Institutional Framework for Ending Violence Against Children in which the Forum will transform into a permanent Regional Centre with the change in Nomenclature to 'South Asia Initiative for Ending Violence against Children (SAIEVAC). These will be submitted for approval of the Minister's Meeting.

The Consultation will be supported by the "South Asia Coordinating Group against Violence against Women and Children (SACG)" comprised of representatives from regionally based UN agencies and International Organisations.

Objectives for the consultation:

• The new organisational structure of SAF( SAIEVAC) is finalised and roles and responsibilities are clarified and endorsed by the Ministers
• The process for future collaboration with SAARC is defined and endorsed by the Ministers and the SAARC Secretariat
• A workplan with key indicators is approved by the Ministerial Meeting
• Role of Children in the Regional Movement for Ending Violence Against Children clearly defined.