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This CHILD RIGHTS E News 98 tells you about: QUESTIONS We are continuing our series of Questions as part of the preparation for the release of the draft Government report to the United Nations on the Convention on the Rights of the Child in August. To date our website has: GENERAL MEASURES Policies for Children DEFINITION OF THE CHILD Minimum age of criminal responsibility GENERAL PRINCIPLES Discrimination Refer: http://www.acya.org.nz/ COMMISSIONER'S STATEMENT ACYA has received a copy of the 2008-2011 Statement of Intent. Two surprises: 1. Dr Cindy Kiro's appointment as Commissioner will end in April 2009 2. The Commissioner will issue in February 2009 an alternative report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child on New Zealand's compliance with UNCROC There is much of interest in the Statement. The three Outcome statements are: Outcome one: Every child is safe and nurtured Outcome two: Every child has adequate resources and opportunities to develop. Outcome three: Society's attitudes and behaviour change to become more child focused. Contact: http://www.occ.org.nz/ DETENTION MONITORING On 2nd July 2008 The Human Rights Commission held a meeting in Auckland to review progress on the inspection of places of detention. ACYA attended to learn about how the system will improve the experience of children. The Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) provides for National Prevention Mechanisms (NPMs). Speakers were: The essence of the Protocol is to establish the policies and procedures affecting those who are detained, and review the experience of those who are detained. Particular mention was made of children, refugees and mental patients. A report by HRC is due in October 2008 outlining progress. Contact: http://www.hrc.co.nz
QUESTIONS - Continued
COMMISSIONER'S STATEMENT ON DETENTION MONITORING
The Role of the Office of the Commissioner for Children (OCC)
Review of legislation affecting children
Children of Tokelau
Removal of Reservations
Age mixing in prisons
No Minimum age for employment
No Minimum age for employment
Permanent mechanism to address the issues arising from the convention
Publicity about the Convention and issues of non compliance
Parliamentary debate on the Convention
The Convention and Local Authorities, Health Boards and School Trustees
Resources for children
Data collation
Education of professionals on the principles of the Convention
Human Rights Act
Raising the age of the Children and Young Persons Families Act
Definition of children in legislation
Racial intolerance
Religious intolerance
Voice of children
Right to Life and Development
Best Interests
Rosslyn Noonan, Chief commissioner for HRC
Gordon McFadyen, of the Office of the Children's Commissioner
Beverley Wakem, Chief Ombudsman
Roger Carson, Independent Police Conduct Authority.
Best Wishes, ACYA
11t h July 2008
Emails to: [email protected].