Childreach/Plan Participates in Global Forum for Children

Childreach
Wednesday, 8 May 2002

On May 8-10, Childreach/Plan representatives from the U.S. and around the world will play a key role at the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Children. Bringing the voices of children to this global forum, Plan will strive to ensure that the needs of children at risk in developing countries are addressed.

Originally scheduled for September 2001, but cancelled after the devastating events of September 11th, the momentum for the session has been rebuilding over the past few months. Many participants are eager to address the needs of children in a world that seems to have changed so drastically in such a short time.

Plan will represent children from 60 countries, presenting their concerns for a better future. Staff members working directly with children will attend, delivering messages from children to world leaders.

Twelve young people will also participate in both a two-day Youth Forum and the three-day Special Session. Several of the children are journalists and we hope to receive reports from them throughout the week.

During the course of the session, Plan will coordinate workshops around three key issues affecting children:

1. National Plans of Actions - focusing on how non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will help governments implement policies benefiting children and how we will hold governments accountable for the National Plans of Action for children put forward at the Special Session

2. Children and HIV/AIDS - addressing issues impacting children, their families, and communities affected by this disease. Topics will include prevention, care and treatment, land rights, and the right to guardianship.

3. Child Trafficking - developing strategies to prevent the trafficking of children for labor and other purposes.

For more information, or to contact Childreach, see their website at: www.childreach.org