Submitted by crinadmin on
Summary: The organisation is currently
developing its membership and
networking, and planning the next
NGO report (due probably September
2002) and how to support the
participation of children and youth.HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL COALITION
In 1996 an informal coalition of non-governmental organisations
called Action for Children in Aotearoa (ACA) provided an
alternative report and met with the Committee. ACA had a
substantial effect on the Committee’s recommendations to the
New Zealand Government, and held a media campaign to draw
attention to the Committee’s report.
A core group of ACA members formed an interim committee to
consult on what should be done about the next non-
governmental organisations’ report to the United Nations. In
consultation people said they wanted there to be an alternative
report developed by a coalition which has the legal entity of
being an incorporated society (which has a democratic structure)
and that the process of producing the report should be used to
benefit children and youth. Youth said they wanted to be part of
what was done and have a youth delegation to the Committee.
The results of consultation led to the formation of Action for
Children and Youth Aotearoa (ACYA) in February 2001. Children
and youth, families, adults and non-governmental organisations
can be members. ACYA is applying to be an incorporated society.
CURRENT SITUATION
GOALS
Action for Children and Youth Aotearoa (Incorporated) seeks to
promote respect for children and youth and their rights. In order
to do this it will:
a. Promote understanding and implementation of the United
Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
b. Promote action on the recommendations of the United Nations
Committee on the Rights of the Child for Aotearoa New Zealand.
c. Provide reports from non-governmental organisations in
Aotearoa New Zealand to the United Nations Committee on the
Rights of the Child.
d. Promote opportunities for the voice and participation of
children and youth
e. Anything else that will further these aims.
The values that underpin Action for Children and Youth Aotearoa
are respect for all people, respect for Te Tiriti O Waitangi (the
Treaty between Maori, the indigenous people and the British
Crown signed in 1840), and respect for the rights of children and
youth.
MAIN ACTIVITIES
The organisation is currently developing its membership and
networking, and planning the next NGO report (due probably
September 2002) and how to support the participation of children
and youth.