[child-rights] Two UN experts urge stepped-up efforts to protect children's rights

TWO UN EXPERTS URGE STEPPED-UP EFFORTS TO PROTECT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS
New York, Apr  6 2004  4:00PM

United Nations experts dealing with the exploitation of children and their
subjection to violence today urged intensified international attention to
widespread abuses committed against these young victims.

Addressing the Geneva-based UN Commission on Human Rights, the Special
Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child
pornography, Juan Miguel Petit, said current efforts to battle these ills
are plagued by continued impunity for perpetrators. He questioned whether
the international community was truly seeking to construct a human rights
regime that provided effective protection for children.

In his written report to the Commission, Mr. Petit points out that
successful prevention policies require political will, a sound knowledge
base, an institutional presence and coordination among different
institutions. The participation of children and their families is also
essential, he writes, adding that successful interventions are a
combination of activities that attack the problem on different fronts in a
holistic manner.

Also addressing the Commission today, the Independent Expert in charge of
the Secretary-General's study on violence against children, Paulo Sergio
Pinheiro, said he would seek to construct an in-depth picture of violence
against children, documenting the magnitude, incidence and consequences of
the problem while offering recommendations to help tackle it. The process
should afford the international community the chance to spotlight the
issue, he said.

Mr. Pinheiro said the study would focus on violence against children in the
family as well as in the community, including schools, care and residential
institutions, detention facilities and prisons. Particular attention would
be paid to the impact of discrimination on patterns of violence against
children.

Created in 1946, the 53-member Commission is currently holding its annual
session, which runs through 23 April.


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