NGOs Disappointed by Outcome of Children’s Summit – Challenge Remains for Follow Up

Summary: NEW YORK, 10 May 2002 - “Governments squandered an opportunity to build on advancements of the last decade” said Jo Becker, Spokesperson of the Child Rights Caucus. “After nearly universal ratification of the Convention of the Rights of the Child, it’s a disappointment that the treaty is not the centerpiece of the Outcome Document.” NGOs disappointed by outcome of Children’s Summit – Challenge remains for Follow Up New York, May 10, 2002 “Governments squandered an opportunity to build on advancements of the last decade” said Jo Becker, Spokesperson of the Child Rights Caucus. “After nearly universal ratification of the Convention of the Rights of the Child, it’s a disappointment that the treaty is not the centerpiece of the Outcome Document.” Caucus members were also disappointed by concessions made by the EU, but acknowledged the efforts of the Rio group and the “Like Minded Group” to uphold the significance of the convention. The negotiating process was flawed. The US with the EU negotiated the final compromise forcing other governments to either take it or break consensus. After fierce disputes over sexual and reproductive rights, governments only agreed to weak references to previous international conferences, without spelling out the rights of adolescents to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, information and services. The process leading up to the Special Session has afforded NGO’s and children excellent opportunities to work collectively and mobilize themselves to hold governments accountable to both the Convention and the Outcome document. A particular strength of the lead-up process has been the involvement of children and young people. Nonetheless, some frustration remains. Tom Burke, and under-18 delegate from the UK was clear on the subject: “At the end of the Children’s Forum we explicitly told governments what a World fit for all of us would look like. The Outcome document is a real disappointment. We spoke, but it feels like no one really listened.” Regardless of the status of the CRC in the Outcome document, the Convention remains a binding standard for the 191 countries who have signed and ratified it. NGOs pledge to work with governments to ensure that the National Plans of Action will contain concrete steps towards the full implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Child Rights Caucus is made up of more than 100 national and international non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) from around the world that are committed to protecting an promoting the human rights of the children.