IRAQ: Child rights network launched

Submitted by crinadmin on Thu, 12/07/2007 - 08:24

[12 July 2007] - A revolutionary network has been set up to address child rights in Iraq.

The Iraqi Child Rights Network held its inaugural general meeting in Sulaimanyah from
17-19 June 2007. The organisation formally announced its establishment at the meeting.

A group of Iraqi non-government organisations, along with child and human rights
activists, recognised that Iraqi Children are being deprived of those rights enshrined by UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), ratified by the Government of Iraq on 15 June 1994.

The group has spent considerable time developing through meetings and training workshops held both inside and outside Iraq.

The network focuses on defending child rights. Its aim is to create a peaceful,
stable, secure and healthy environment for childhood where children can enjoy all rights enshrined in the UNCRC and benefit from full implementation of Iraqi legislation.

At the meeting to launch the Network, key documents such as byelaws, codes of
conduct and a child protection policy were approved.

Discussions were held about children's issues and violations of child rights in Iraq. An annual plan of action to address these issues was agreed upon.

Elections, through public nomination and secret ballot, were held to appoint a Network general coordinator and other positions.

The Network is requesting all Iraqis, individuals, associations, and organisations to
respect and defend Iraqi children’s rights, both inside and outside of Iraq.

The Network calls on Iraqi lawmakers to develop new legislation based on the UNCRC
and reform all other legislation with a view to the best interests of children. It calls on the Iraqi Government ministries to activate and abide by laws effecting children
and use all possible means to protect children and prevent violations of their rights.

The Network calls on all child rights and human rights agencies, international and
local NGOs, associations and rights activists to join or support the Network in order
to help achieve its objectives.

Finally, the Network thanks all those who have contributed through their efforts to support its establishment.

Iraq Child Rights Network
Al-Sulaimanyah, Iraq.
General coordinator: Nazim Ahmed Ali

Country:

Iraq

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