Submitted by crinadmin on
Summary: These draft guidelines were produced for the
preparations and related processes for the
East Asia Pacific regional consultation for the
UN Study on violence against children. What are minimum standards?
They are statements that describe the minimum expectations of the ways
in which adults and children should behave and operate at national and
regional consultations as part of the UN Study on Violence Against Children
(UN Study).
The standards have been developed using a collaborative approach with
members of the East Asia and Pacific Region Steering Committee for the
UN Study on Violence against Children (Steering Committee). They are
based on existing documents produced by the Steering Committee and
others and are seen as an essential tool for those involving children in
consultations in the region.
Why do we need minimum standards?
Participation is a right. These minimum standards are based on children’s
rights as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, in
particular in Articles 2, 3, 12, 13, 17, 19, 34 and 36:
Children have rights to be listened to, to freely express their
views on all matters that affect them, and to freedom of expression,
thought, association and access to information.
Participation should promote the best interest of the child and
enhance the personal development of each child.
All children have equal rights to participation without
discrimination.
All children have the right to be protected from manipulation,
violence, abuse and exploitation.
The Minimum Standards have been produced to ensure that participation
of children in consultations in the East Asia Pacific region for the UN Study
is high quality and consistent throughout the region.
Who are they for?
1. Adults who are consulting with children and young people in the
UN Study, in particular for those who are:
a) sending under 18s to participate in the regional consultation (and
preparatory consultation);
b) organising sub regional, national or sub national consultations and
activities with under 18s;
2. Children and youth who are facilitating the involvement of other under
18s in relation to the UN Study;
3. Supporting adults (facilitators, interpreters, admin staff);
4. Under 18s who are participants in the consultation.
About the standards
The standards are organised in a step-by-step format, outlining which
standards need to be met before, during and after a consultation.
Alongside each standard is a list of relevant guidelines or procedures that
should help to implement the standard as well as an icon indicating which
principle of participation the standard falls under. The package of
procedures, guidelines, forms and briefing papers is annexed to the
Minimum Standards.
The standards are designed to be relevant and achievable in the different
country contexts of the East Asia and Pacific region.
Owner: Produced by Helen Veitch, External Consultant, for the East Asia Pacific Steering Committeepdf: www.crin.org/docs/resources/publications/violence/Minimum_Standards10.doc