NETHERLANDS: Government submits progress report on UPR recommendations

Summary: The government of Netherlands recently submitted a mid-term UPR report, which documented their implementation progress on recommendations they accepted during their review. CRIN has highlighted the government's response to children's rights recommendations accepted.


What is a mid-term report?

States are encouraged to voluntarily submit update reports on the steps they are taking to implement the recommendations made to them during their reviews.

In addition to posting the full mid-term report (see above), CRIN has extracted the children's rights recommendations accepted by Netherlands, together with the government's response on how they are implementing the recommendations.


Implementation progress on accepted recommendations

The government of Netherlands commented on the following accepted recommendations:

1. Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict | Brazil

The act of approval of the Optional Protocol to the CRC on the involvement of children in armed conflict came into force on 1 May 2009.

10. Consider withdrawal of reservations with respect to the Convention on the Rights of the Child | Russian Federation

The Kingdom of the Netherlands did not support this recommendation but is now considering this recommendation and will inform the treaty body about its progress in the next CRC report.

26. Undertake an in-depth study on trafficking and exploitation of children, particularly with regard to sexual abuse, child prostitution and child pornography, as a basis for urgent remedial action in this regard | Algeria

In her seventh, most recent report, the National Rapporteur on Human Trafficking again devoted attention to the trafficking of children. In 2008, the number of underage victims of trafficking fell slightly compared to the previous year, mainly due to action taken by the authorities to reduce the number of underage Nigerian victims. This was part of a two-year pilot, launched in 2008, in which underage asylum seekers at risk of trafficking, including Nigerian children, are housed in an enclosed shelter (not locked) with 24-hour supervision, cameras and security provided by a private agency. These protection measures make them less likely to fall into the hands of traffickers. Members of a Nigerian trafficking gang were arrested and prosecuted. The authorities and NAPTIP, the Nigerian anti-trafficking agency, cooperated in this investigation.

An interministerial project group was set up in 2009 to step up the fight against child sex tourism. A public awareness campaign was launched by the Minister of Justice on 13 January 2010, and a website was launched where people can report child sex tourism (www.meldkindersekstoerisme.nl). The Minister and the organisation of travel operators (ANVR) have signed a declaration to work together to combat child sex tourism.

Several activities aimed at providing information to girls at high risk of trafficking, ranging from teaching packs, educational theatre and assertiveness training, to information for parents, migrants and unaccompanied minor foreign nationals. This information is also available online (www.jeugdprostitutie.nu). A broad range of assistance has also been developed, including compulsory, voluntary, outpatient, residential and outreach services, as well as contact with fellow victims.

31. Work on promoting a society of tolerance through educational measures | Saudi Arabia

At schools, the question of what constitutes acceptable social behaviour in a tolerant society is addressed as part of the subject area category 'active citizenship and social integration'. Teaching tolerance is also an implicit aim of a wide range practical activities such as sport and community service. The 'friendship schools' initiative organises activities for schools whose pupil populations come from different backgrounds, to introduce children through play to other cultures and the importance of respecting diversity.


Further Information

CRIN extracted all mentions of children's rights from Netherlands UPR, including references in the pre-review reports submitted by the government, UN bodies, and also NGOs / NRHis. This report also details all the children's rights recommendations accepted and rejected by Netherlands.

The page includes children's rights extract reports for all States reviewed to date, CRIN's "Status of Children's Rights in the UPR" report, and much more information on the UPR process and how can NGOs can engage with it.

Including practical tips on reporting and lobbying, as well as follow-up methods. The guide is based on the findings of a comprehensive survey of experiences shared by NGOs, NHRIs, Ombudspersons, academic bodies, and so on.

pdf: http://www.crin.org/docs/Netherlands_Interim_report.pdf

Countries

Please note that these reports are hosted by CRIN as a resource for Child Rights campaigners, researchers and other interested parties. Unless otherwise stated, they are not the work of CRIN and their inclusion in our database does not necessarily signify endorsement or agreement with their content by CRIN.