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Summary: Intended to inform and challenge, More than
words? is a qualitative investigation of how far
the rights and needs of orphans and
vulnerable children are being met in four of the
worst-affected countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
The impact of HIV and AIDS on children in developing countries is immense.
As well as threatening a child’s right to life and a family environment, it also
undermines a multitude of other rights, and can leave affected children
vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
Given the devastating impact on these children’s lives, urgent international
action is needed to ensure that their rights are protected and needs met.
In 2001, specific commitments to orphans and vulnerable children were
made as part of the United Nations General Assembly Special Session
(UNGASS) Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS – commitments which
were to be met by 2005. Despite this, many governments and donors have
fallen short of the promises made and progress has been frustratingly
slow.
Intended to inform and challenge, More than words? is a qualitative
investigation of how far the rights and needs of orphans and vulnerable
children are being met in four of the worst-affected countries in sub-
Saharan Africa. Based on surveys and focus group discussions with
children, parents, caregivers and officials in Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda
and Zambia, this report offers a timely insight into how far the
commitments are being met and provides practical recommendations for
action at both national and international level.
The report concludes that orphans and vulnerable children are most likely
to be missing out in terms of education, health, nutrition and other basic
needs. Furthermore, very few are receiving appropriate psychosocial
support and many find themselves the victims of property grabbing. Given
these findings, it is clear that care and support for orphans and vulnerable
children must be considered an integral part of national and international
response to the HIV/AIDS crisis, not an optional addition.
For more information, contact:
Helen Young
World Vision UK
Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0ZR, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1908 841032
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.worldvision.org.uk
Owner: World Vision UKpdf: www.crin.org/docs/resources/publications/hrbap/More_than_words_UNGASS.pdf