MaximsNewsNetwork: COSTA RICA: VIOLENCE & CHILDREN: UNICEF

MaximsNewsNetwork: 09 September 2009 - UNICEF: More than 30 parliamentarians from 14 Latin American countries gathered this past week in Costa Rica to discuss the role of parliaments in combating one of the region's most serious social problems - violence against children. The trip included a visit to a UNICEF-supported initiative that helps vulnerable children.

More than 30 parliamentarians from 14 Latin American countries gathered this past week in San Jose, Costa Rica to discuss the role of parliaments in preventing and eliminating violence against children in the region.

Organized by UNICEF and the IPU, the meeting emphasized the importance of shaping and implementing violence prevention policies that directly impact children and adolescents.

SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Seija Toro, UNICEF Representative in Costa Rica:
When you raise your voices on behalf of children they resonate. As parliamentarians you are in the unique position to send the message that the welfare of children and adolescents is the responsibility of society as a whole.

Parliamentarians also agreed that childrens direct participation is essential for long term success.

SOUNDBITE (English) Anders B. Johnson, Secretary-General of the Inter Parliamentary Union:
Children are not in the parliaments and they are not generally invited to be part of inter parliamentary work, and I think if we can change that we can do lots to change the reality of children and combat violence against them.

While on mission, parliamentarians visited a UNICEF-supported initiative that targets vulnerable children who are often victims of violence. The Child Friendly-counties program in the neighborhood of Los Guido, helps make the community safer through sports and recreation.

It also allows children and police to interact in fun ways that build trust and show children the value of teamwork and respect.

SOUNDBITE (English) Juan Pablo Letelier, Senator of The Republic of Chile:
Children on all their ages are subjects of rights. They are person who have rights, they are not objects to be protected. That is a change which occurred with the declaration of rights of the child. From that basis what parliament has to do is to create consciousness, that violence against children in all its forms has to be eliminated, prevented.

At the conclusion of the meeting participants agreed on actions they can take to ensure that societies have effective laws and functioning institutions so that every child can enjoy an environment free of violence.

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• Costa Rica
• children violence
• UNICEF
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• Anders B. Johnson