Submitted by crinadmin on
Summary: State of reporting: Received
correspondence 04/04/2000 in response
to a request re status of periodic
report, that the report is still with
the Ministry of Health the government
agency with responsibility for
children's issues.
PROFILE OF NATIONAL COALITIONS PROFILE OF NATIONAL COALITIONS
NAME: Jamaica Coalition on the Rights of the Child
COUNTRY: Jamaica
REGION: Caribbean (West Indies)
BACKGROUND:
State of reporting: Received correspondence 04/04/2000 in response to
a request re status of periodic report, that the report is still with
the Ministry of Health the government agency with responsibility for
children's issues. Status of Child Rights: Significant developments
since ratification:
· Draft of new Child Care and Protection Act circulated for comment
· Appointment of Ambassador/Special Envoy for Children
· Development of National Policy and Plan of Action with goals for
Children to 2000
· Greater awareness in civil society of the needs/plight of children
Context: A review of the socio landscape of Jamaica supports the view
that the problem of “children at risk” is extremely high. There are
indications as well that the number is growing. In effect, there as
been rapid acceleration in the pace of social, cultural and
economic change during the last decade. This threatens the welfare
and well-being of everyone. Unfortunately, children are the most
vulnerable group in such situations.
Three major areas of problems have emerged and they are seriously
endangering the survival, well-being and development of the nation’s
children. These are:
- High incidence of abuse and neglect of children
- The exposure of many children to grave health hazards (inadequate
sanitation, poor hygiene, inappropriate health practices, in both
rural and urban areas) - The quality of education
HISTORY OF NATIONAL COALITION/NETWORK
Formation:
· The Coalition was established in 1989 as a lobby group to garner
support for ratification of the Convention.
· Just prior to ratification in 1991 a Secretariat was established.
· The JCRC has since become a "watchdog" agency, which promotes and
monitors implementation of the CRC in Jamaica.
Structure and Governance: The JCRC is governed by a Board of
Directors and small Executive Body (all JCRC members)who monitor
managerial decisions and implementation of strategies. An Executive
Director manages the day to day operations of the Secretariat.
Membership: There are currently 18 member agencies and 3 individual
members. The agencies are all child focused and the individuals are
persons with a serious commitment to children. Two member agencies
operate in rural Jamaica. Partners: In December 1999, the JCRC
entered into an institutional strengthening partnership with one of
our member agencies the Jamaica Association for the Deaf. This
arrangement is formulated into a model for “Institutional
Strengthening through Collaboration" The model emerged when the JCRC
was at a very 'low ebb" and faced closure because major funding
partners had revised policies governing their operations which led to
the Coalition losing access to project funds. This mutually
beneficial relationship has strengthened the JCRC considerably and as
a result of this improved position the Coalition has been able to
attract new interest and support from locally and overseas.
Achievements:
· Publication and circulation of reader-friendly material on the CRC
· Increased public awareness of the principles of the CRC
· New focus on child participation
· Increased levels of participation and collaboration with the
Government on issues affecting children
CURRENT SITUATION: The JCRC recently prepared a new strategic plan
covering the period 2000 - 2005. In preparing the plan, there was a
revisit of the organization’s mission and purpose. There was
agreement as follows:
Mission: The JCRC is a membership organization devoted to working
towards the advancement and protection of the Rights of the Child.
Purpose:
a. To facilitate discussion and understanding of the issues affecting
children
b. To develop strategic interventions for sustained change in
attitudes, behaviours and lifestyles of those who make decisions and
influence the survival, development of
children.
c. To implement programmes and activities in accordance with its
mission.
Key issues: The key issues (social,demographic,economic) which impact
on children in Jamaica and are producing notable outcomes include:
a. Emotional trauma resulting from dysfunctional relationships at
varying levels
b. Juvenile delinquency - the high incidence of deviance and criminal
activities among children
c. Violence among children
d. Street and working children
The JCRC has commenced a series of Membership Development Group
Discussions aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of the
issues affecting children and to promote greater networking among
members for improved effectiveness in dealing with the problems.
Challenges
· To develop a new attitude of respect for children
· To rebuild a sense of hope among children and youth
· To promote self-advocacy by developing within children and youth
the ability to think critically and analyze appropriately the
situations that affect them
Contact Details
C B Facey Building
Hope Estate
Papine
Kingston 6
Tel: 970 1776
Tel/Fax: 927 1098