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Afternoon session, 18 May 2005
In the afternoon, children divided themselves into three groups to each
focus on one of the issues of the Consultation, namely, physical and
psychological punishment, child sexual abuse and gender based violence.
The aim of this exercise was to look at actions that have been taken
throughout the region, by children, parents, governments and NGOs, then
identify the gaps, and finally start working on recommendations. Once this
has been done, children will then start working on drafting their
declaration and recommendations to be presented at the consultation
tomorrow.
Below are some of the highlights of gaps and recommendations from
children’s presentations. Existing actions were discussed in this morning’s
session. These will then be a basis for children’s presentation tomorrow.
Physical and psychological punishment
Gaps
· Implementation is very weak
· Programmes not monitored properly
· Parents are not involved in government actions
· Parents and teachers do not have close relationships with
children, therefore they do not talk about this issue enough.
· Even though a government might have banned physical and
psychological punishment, it still happens in institutions
· Parents are not interested in complaining or reporting
Recommendations
· Governments should create country level laws and implement
them
· Need proper monitoring of government laws and activities
· Committees should be formed with children and parents to
monitor situations
· Cooperation between parents, NGOs and teachers needs to
increase
· Teachers should behave lovingly and affectionately (when
children make a mistake, not punish but explain it was wrong and how
they can change)
· Governments and NGOs should work together with teachers to
create awareness
· Decisions taken by government should be known to all,
everyone needs to be informed about the laws that exist
· Teachers should be trained on child friendly matters
· During the teacher selection interviews, their friendliness
towards children should be tested
· Children should know their rights as well as their responsibilities
2. Gender based violence – with a focus on violence against girls
Gaps:
· Law is not enforced
· No structures in rural areas to protect children
· Media should report better on these issues
· Children are not informed about how to protect themselves
against violence
· Parents are not educated
Recommendations
· Governments should train the police and communities on child
rights protection
· Communities should be formed with parents to talk about the
issue of child sexual abuse
· Boys and girls need to be treated equally
· Pictures of children who have been abused should not be used
· Parents and teachers should give children information about
sexual abuse
3. Child sexual abuse (CSA)
Gaps
· Parents are not able to connect with children who have been
abused
· Younger children are not able to differentiate between CSA and
affection
· Some countries do not have enough laws, others do, but are not
implemented, or the process for children to give evidence is too long for
children to go through
· In some countries, boys are given less consideration in law
when they are sexually abused
Recommendations
· Educate children about abuse, especially younger ones, so that
they know the difference between abuse and affection, love and care. This
is the responsibility of parents and teachers
· Counseling should be available for children in the community
· Forming task forces to work specifically on prevention
· Parents should be more connected with the child and listen to
them
· Having materials in child friendly versions for media, children, etc.