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Summary: On 18 November, a press conference hosted by the Global AIDS Alliance and the Global Action for Children was held on Capitol Hill to celebrate the signing into law of The Assistance for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children in Developing Countries Act of 2005. The press conference was also used to call for full funding of its provisions. The new law authorizes US support for a wide range of services and reforms to help millions of children in poor countries. Speakers present at the event included:
Angelina Jolie, Oscar-winning actress and Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR);
Rev. Mpho Tutu, Director of the Tutu Center for Pilgrimage and Prayer;
Reverend Frank T. Griswold, Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church.
World Vision supported the passage of this bill and also contributed to the drafting of a strategy document, which serves to demonstrate support for the bill and set out a recommended implementation plan. The strategy document was spearheaded by Global Action for Children, endorsed by more than fourteen other organisations, and will be submitted to a number of governmental offices.
Robert Zacharitz, senior policy advisor for HIV/AIDS funding and food resources and Jennifer Mulik, HIV/AIDS team leader attended the press conference to represent World Vision.
The Assistance for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children in Developing Countries Act of 2005 has now been signed into law by President Bush. The new law lays out a comprehensive response to the needs of orphaned and vulnerable children in poor countries.
The legislation was introduced by Senators Richard Lugar (R-IN) and Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) in the Senate and Representatives Henry Hyde (R-IL) and Barbara Lee (D-CA) in the House.
The measure not only emphasises the immediate needs of food and medicine for the most vulnerable children, it also calls for the elimination of school fees and other barriers to education – offering children what they need to stay alive now and offering them a way to build their lives and their communities in the future.
Advocates for children are calling for full funding of the law’s provisions, and they are presenting to the Administration a list of recommendations for policy-making on the issue.
Owner: Shawna Templeton