News

On 11 June 2010, the European Commission launched a Public Consultation to shape the future EU Children?s Rights Strategy 2011-2014. TDHIF was invited by the Commission to submit its contribution.

Based on Terre des Hommes fields of expertise, the main topics on which TDHIF contributed are : Children in conflict with the law, Children as immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees, Foreign Unaccompanied Minors, The /?disappeared?/Foreign Unaccompanied Minors, Children taking part in a criminal case as victims or witnesses for Court, Clusters of vulnerable groups of children, Children victims and/or at risk of exploitation, violence and child trafficking, and Child participation.

Please click here for more information

August 2010

Terre des Hommes Intervention on Behalf of Flood Victims in Pakistan and Afghanistan

Around 17.6 million people have been affected since one of the worst continuous floods ever has hit Pakistan, according to the UNOCHA (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs). The floods have spread across an area from the Chinese border to the mouth of the Indus River. The death toll has risen to 1’600, and more than 2’360 people have been injured. A total of 1.2 million houses have been damaged or destroyed, leaving millions of people homeless and without any livelihoods. Large numbers of people are still stranded by floodwaters while the threat of new flood waves is still high.

Floodwaters, landslides and damaged infrastructure make it very difficult for relief organizations to reach a population in need of urgent help. The number of people needing assistance is expected to rise further, as assessments continue and access improves. The funding response to the Pakistan floods is improving, but much more is needed to meet the needs of the population.

Terre des Hommes (Foundation-Lausanne, jointly with sister organization Terre des Hommes Netherlands), already present in the region, has undertaken a needs assessment in the region of Peshawar and in the Afghan border area of Torkham. In Pakistan, Terre des Hommes will intervene through its partner, a local NGO, in two districts in the Peshawar zone (Charsadda and Nowshehra) to bring relief to 7’200 children and 3’600 adult family members. One objective is to help children to go back in school at the start of the school year (September 15th). They will receive school books, while at the same time, food items (flour, rice, oil) and non-food items such as tents, blankets, hygiene kits, and cooking utensils will be offered to their families. Shelters will be provided to families who took refuge in schools, and who will soon be forced to leave these places so that they are free for the children.

Afghanistan has also been affected by the floods. Terre des Hommes (Foundation-Lausanne, Switzerland) will intervene in the areas near the Pakistani border: the districts of Monandara and Lal Pura (province Nangahar). Food items and non-food items will be distributed. Terre des Hommes will contribute to the construction of health camps where it can provide medical treatment to the families displaced by the disaster. Severe cases will be transferred to the appropriate medical institutions. Child centres will also be set up, where children will have an opportunity to take part in recreational activities which will reassure them and help them to get back to normal.

For more information please click here

July 2010

Enhancing the International Protection of Child Domestic Workers

In June 2010, the ILO held its 99th International Conference, with part of the agenda aiming to set international standards with a view to the possible adoption of a Convention supplemented by a Recommendation for “Decent work for domestic workers”.

Worldwide, millions of people enter domestic service in order to provide for themselves and their families. The vast majority are women and girls, sometimes no older than 5 or 6 years old. Domestic work accounts for up to 10% of employment in some countries, and is the single largest sector of employment for girls. Despite their importance to the running of their employers’ households, domestic workers are among the most exploited and abused workers in the world. They are often overworked, underpaid, and unprotected. Working in private homes and hidden from the public eye, domestic workers are at risk of a shocking array of abuses, including physical, psychological and sexual abuse, non-payment of wages, excessively long working hours with no rest, food deprivation, forced confinement, and denial of education for girls. The most vulnerable are children and migrants. The Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery of the United Nations, Ms Gulnara Shahinian, expressed her concern about the large number of children in domestic work. Children are often sought for domestic work as they are seen as cheaper, less demanding and easier to control than adults.

The proposed draft Convention includes an article on “the effective abolition of child labour”, and states that “each Member should set a minimum age for admission to domestic work which should not be lower than that established by national laws and regulations for wage earners in general”.

Studies show that child domestic workers include those who “live in” and those who live separately from their employers, those who are paid for their work, those who are not paid, and those who receive “in-kind” benefits, such as food and shelter. Child domestic workers generally start working around 12, but some start working as early as 5 or 6 years old. The vast majority of domestic child workers are girls.

The invisible nature of the work makes child domestic workers more vulnerable to isolation, exclusion (from labour laws), and exploitation. Due to their young age, there are not aware of their rights, they suffer separation from their family, and are dependant on their employers (freedom of movement, ability to contact family or friends, access to school). Many child domestic workers live in their employer’s home, often meaning they are “on call” for 24 hours a day with little rest or free time. The lack of playtime and recreation has a very negative impact on their socialization, and also on their mental and physical development. The dangerous nature of their tasks, such as carrying heavy loads, cooking, or using toxic chemicals, added to long hours of work make them particularly vulnerable to accidents, and in addition, they are often denied access to health care when ill or injured. Their young age, lack of awareness of their rights, and their dependency on their employers make child domestic workers very vulnerable to abuse and violence, ranging from verbal violence to sexual abuse. Girls who become pregnant are generally thrown out of the house and forced to fend for themselves. The promise of (better) education often plays a key role in children accepting work as domestics. In reality, schooling is often denied to these children (not only because the employers refuse to allow their domestics to go, but also because of time constraints). In extreme cases, the conditions and circumstances of child domestic work can amount to forced labour. Some children are trafficked into domestic servitude, and are in bonded labour, forced to work to pay off a loan their parents have received from their employers.

Because of the singularity of child domestic work, as mentioned above, existing conventions and international standards are not sufficient to protect child domestic workers from abuse and exploitation. In many countries, domestic workers are not considered as “workers”, but more as “helpers” and are thus excluded from national labour legislation.

Child domestic workers need effective laws and regulations as well as protection mechanisms tailored to the specific nature of their work and their special protection needs. This is why Terre des Hommes, together with over 120 other organizations, signed the Call for Global Protection for Child Domestic Workers. Terre des Hommes also runs projects in different countries to support child domestic workers, to ensure that their employment conditions conform with international standards, and provide them with opportunities for education, leisure and psycho-social support. Terre des Hommes also campaigns against child trafficking and against the worst forms of child labour.

May 2010

Terre des Hommes draws the attention of the United Nations to the human rights of trafficked children

During a two-day UN seminar (27th-28th May) on a human rights-based approach to combating human trafficking, Terre des Hommes delivered a statement entitled: “Challenges and Opportunities of a Human Rights-based Approach to Human Trafficking”. Assuming that mobility per se increases children’s vulnerability, anti-trafficking measures, such as intercepting migrant children, can have a negative impact on their human rights. It is not only mobility in itself which increases vulnerability; other factors, such as forced mobility or absence of protection (services and actors), are among the numerous elements that make children more susceptible to abuse or exploitation. From a human rights perspective, states and anti-trafficking agencies should look at other, less intrusive kinds of intervention that could still ensure protection for the child.

On 2nd June a panel discussion, “Giving Voice to the Victims of Human Trafficking”, took place at the UN Human Rights Council. Five victims gave moving and vivid testimonies about their personal experiences as persons trafficked for sexual purposes or labour exploitation. Terre des Hommes took the floor on this unique occasion of dialogue to highlight the case of thousands of trafficked children all around the world. Recognizing the progress which has been made since TDH started its campaign to stop child trafficking in 2001, notably states admitting child trafficking as an offence punishable under national legislation, it also pointed out that weaknesses remain, especially in the areas of prevention, intervention and (re)integration of trafficked children.

For TDH, the child is the main actor in the process of his/her (re)integration. Programs and interventions ignoring personal experience and the will of the trafficked child risk being ineffective, as they are based more on assumptions and stereotypes than facts. A durable social reintegration can only be reached when the child is consulted about how to serve his/her best interest. TDH regretfully notes that the voice of the child is often ignored in this process, especially when deciding on a durable solution for a child who has been trafficked across borders.

The UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, Ms Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, pointed out that trafficking in persons remains one of the fastest growing criminal activities in the world, and in order to combat it, better cooperation among countries of origin, transit and destination is required. In addition to the efforts made by international organizations to fight trafficking, a better contribution by regional and sub-regional mechanisms is the key to providing a response that is both multilateral and sufficiently close to countries’ realities and specificities within a certain region. Based on the Palermo Protocol and the Recommended Principles and Guidelines on Human Rights and Human Trafficking, the human rights-based approach puts the victims at the centre of all efforts to prevent and combat trafficking, and to protect, assist and provide redress to victims.

May 2010

The Hague Global Child Labour Conference - May 10-11, 2010
Terre des Hommes demands determined action against child exploitation

On 10th and 11th of May, the international child rights organisation “Terre des Hommes” is participating in a conference on exploitative forms of child labour in The Hague, Netherlands. There, the International Labour Organization (ILO) is calling governments, employers and workers organisations to reinforce the fight against the worst forms of child labour. In 2000 the ILO adopted Convention 182 to protect children against hazardous work, slavery, prostitution and recruitment as soldier. Although, according to the ILO there is some progress, there are still approximately 200 millions girls and boys working worldwide under exploitative conditions.

“Terre des Hommes” welcomes the ILO conference that highlights the scandal of child exploitation and demands determined actions against it. “Politicians, economists and civil society must get involved in the fight against child exploitation for those children who sadly suffer exploitation and enslavement day after day. Anyone who can change something in this unbearable situation must become aware of the fact that girls and boys can grow up in dignity” says Barbara Küppers, the Terre des Hommes child labour expert.

As a consequence of the economic crisis and the drastic increase of the food prices in developing and middle-income countries, more and more families cannot afford the school attendance of their children any more. About 72 million children worldwide have no access to elementary school, and they and their families must accept every kind of work in order to survive.

“Terre des Hommes” appeals on governments participating in the Hague Conference to ensure that education is accessible, safe and relevant. Also, child protection systems should be enhanced to prevent children from entering one of the worst forms of child labour. Legislation to criminalize those that exploit children needs to be introduced where it is not yet in existence and strongly enforced once it is.

April 2010

For a reinforcement of children’s rights

The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva agreed at its March 2010 session to start drafting a new international human rights instrument enabling the Committee on the Rights of the Child to receive and examine communications from children and their representatives alleging violation of their rights. A complaints or “communications” procedure allows individuals, groups or their representatives, claiming that their rights have been violated by a State that is a party to a Convention, to bring a communication before the relevant UN Committee, provided that the State has accepted the procedure.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the only international human rights treaty with a mandatory reporting procedure which does not have, in addition, an existing or draft communications procedure. The communications procedure will be established by a new Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child which came into force 20 years ago. The first session of the drafting Working Group is expected to take place in December 2010 and the new instrument could be adopted by the end of 2011.

The NGO Group for the Convention on the Rights of the Child, a coalition of over 80 international and national NGOs, supported by more than 600 organisations in all regions, has been actively lobbying for the establishment of this new mechanism since 2006. It will continue to support the work of the UN Working Group which will draft the Protocol in 2010.

As an active member of the NGO Group for the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Terre des Hommes calls for an Optional Protocol that allow an optimal implementation of the Convention.

For more information on the NGO position please click here

Salvador, Brazil, 13 April 2010

During the 12th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (at the Bahia Convention Centre) :

1. Interagency Panel on Juvenile Justice (IPJJ) Ancillary Meeting on “A comprehensive approach to juvenile justice reform in accordance with the Committee on the Rights of the Child's General Comment No. 10 : promising practices and lessons learned” (12.00-13.30 - Rm 1).

2. Workshop on "The Project of Restorative Juvenile Justice in Maranhao (County of São José de Ribamar) : the force of community on prevention of crime" sponsored by The Foundation Terre des hommes Lausanne Foundation in Brazil, Santelmo Albuquerque de Lima (14.40–16.00 - Rm 3).

March 2010

Violence against children at the core of the Human Rights agenda

During its 13th session, the Human Rights Council held a one-day discussion on sexual violence against children, inter alia to inform the debate prior to the adoption of the resolution on the rights of the child. In conjunction with the discussion day, the Norway mission organised a lunchtime side-event on March 11, about sexual violence against children in the environments where they should be most protected, such as at home and in school.

Terre des Hommes International Federation was invited to participate in the side-even, and Lucien Stöpler (Terre des Hommes Netherlands) gave a presentation on the situation in Europe. Research suggests that about 10% of children in Europe have experienced abuse before the age of 18, “however, the reality is that this figure is likely to be much higher”, he said.

Poverty, substance abuse and sexual abuse in their own childhood are among the factors that lead adults to abuse. Mr Stöpler said that awareness and training need to be tailored to the child’s network. For example, information given to general practitioners in one setting enabled them to recognise four times the number of abuse cases than they had previously done.

The tendency in the 1960s and 1970s was towards institutionalisation for those who had been abused, Mr Stöpler said. However, this is changing, and more effort is being made to place children with alternative families. He went on to note that although poverty is often identified as one of the main reasons for abuse, social interventions, and not just material needs, have proved necessary in combating sexual violence towards children. “The main element of child abuse that needs to be addressed is rendering the behaviour socially unacceptable”, he said.
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General on Violence against Children, and two NGOs also participated in the side-event.
Marta Santos Pais, Special Representative to the Secretary General on Violence Against Children, said she felt very strongly encouraged by the discussions on sexual violence at the Human Rights Council so far. She noted that professionals who work with children are often not trained to deal with incidences of sexual violence.

A member of a youth initiative in Ghana, supported by Plan International, called on governments to intensify law enforcement and awareness of sexual violence. She said: “From my experience, sexual violence can be completely eradicated in our communities. We need to take action now”.

A member of Save the Children Sweden outlined some of the activities undertaken in Southeast Asia and the Pacific region to combat sexual violence against children. She emphasised that children need to be involved in designing protection mechanisms, and that reporting abuse can begin a process of healing for children.
During the debate that followed the presentation, participants generally agreed that certain groups of children are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence, such as disabled children. There was also general agreement that sexual violence against children is preventable, and that there are numerous ways of combating it, especially through the development of a protective environment for the vulnerable.

February 2010

Photo exhibition on Trafficking in Human Beings organized by Terre des Hommes International Federation at the European Commission

Terre des Hommes International Federation (TDHIF), through its Brussels office, has been invited by the European Commission/EuropeAid (the cooperation office of the European Commission), to display the photo exhibition Another Me in its headquarters in Brussels. This is part of the work held by TDHIF in raising awareness on the issue of Trafficking in Human Beings, specially children and women. The girls and women in these photographs are survivors of trafficking, rape or abandonment, or are the children of sex workers. They have been in the care of Sanlaap, a non-governmental organization based in Kolkata, India. Another Me is a beautiful piece of art as many may surmise, but it also carries a message of how contemporary slavery still exists in the form of human trafficking. Since its first exhibition it has proved to be a great tool of advocacy for Terre des Hommes.

The exhibition will be held at the EuropeAid showing room, in Rue de la Loi, 51, Brussels, from the 8 of February to 5 of March.

December 2009

Human Rights Day, 10 December 2009, embrace diversity, end discrimination.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. It was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948, to be a common standard for all peoples and nations. The UDHR has since then been translated into 364 different languages and has been the framework for all subsequent human rights treaties. The UDHR proclaims that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. It was the first international treaty to express the fundamental rights to which all human beings are entitled, such as the right to life, liberty and security of persons, or the right to an adequate standard of living.

The concept of non-discrimination lies at the heart of human rights. For this reason it has been designated the official theme of the 2009 Human Rights Day which occurs every year on the anniversary of the adoption of the UDHR in 1948.

Children are routinely exposed to discrimination without often being able to input on its causes. All too often, the same vulnerable groups are at increased risk of several interlinked human rights violations such as physical violence or sexual exploitation. The plights of boys and girls are also often unequal especially in times of economic crisis when a larger number of girls are at risk for example of being pushed out of school.

The mission of the Terre des Hommes organisations is to provide active support to children, without racial, religious, political, cultural or gender-based discrimination, in order to implement human rights for all children. To this end the Terre des Hommes organisations develop and implement projects designed to improve the living conditions of disadvantaged children in their own environment, including families and communities. Terre des Hommes implements a rights-based approach to development and involves, as much as feasible, beneficiaries in the implementation and assessment of programmes.

Lausanne, November 14-15 2009

Terre des Hommes International Federation General Assembly – November 14-15, Lausanne, Switzerland

On November 14-15, the Terre des Hommes International Federation (TDHIF) held its General Assembly in Lausanne, Switzerland, the very place where Terre des Hommes was born 50 years ago, to bring support to war affected children who were falling out of reach of existing relief agencies.

After one year of implementation of the new TDHIF Statute new paths are opened towards the future. The TDHIF General Assembly reaffirmed its will to collaborate with organisations pursuing similar aims in EU New Member States and to reinforce its European presence. The TDHIF General Assembly also reaffirmed its commitment to continually uphold child protection measures within its own programmes according to the internationally recognised Keeping Children Safe standards

Finally after eight years of campaigning against child trafficking leading to considerable expertise in protecting and caring for trafficked children, the TDHIF is heading towards a new campaign phase which will enlarge perspectives of fighting trafficking within a broader context of child mobility.

http://www.keepingchildrensafe.org.uk/

September 2009

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is 20 years old !

On 20 November 2009, the international community will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly. The Convention has achieved near-universal acceptance, being ratified by 193 states parties, and it is a landmark treaty that has made a difference in the lives of millions of children. It has inspired changes in the way the world sees children, new and innovative laws to better protect them, and enhanced measures and programmes to respond to violations of their rights.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the first legally binding international instrument to incorporate the full range of human rights (civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights). It sets them out in 54 articles and two Optional Protocols, which spell out the basic human rights of children : the right to survival, the right to develop their fullest potential, the right to protection from abuse and exploitation, and the right to participate in family, cultural and social life. The Convention also sets standards in health care, education, and legal, civil and social services. It is rooted in four core principles : non-discrimination, the best interests of the child, the right to life, survival and development, and respect for the views of the child. By ratifying the Convention, governments have committed to protecting and ensuring children's rights, to being accountable before the international community, and to developing policies and actions in the best interests of the child.

The provisions and principles of the Convention guide Terre des Hommes in its mission to protect and implement the rights of the child. Terre des Hommes carries out project and advocacy work to protect children from exploitation and violence, to offer them a better future through health care and education, and to create conditions for the realisation of their full potential. Terre des Hommes acts through 933 development and humanitarian projects in 65 countries.

The 20th anniversary of the Convention also reminds us of the many challenges that lie ahead. No country can claim that it has achieved a full implementation of this treaty. Furthermore, respecting the rights of children is all the more important in a time of crisis, when progress achieved in the fields of education or reduction of child labour is being jeopardised by the current recession. In view of the significance of these challenges, implementing the Convention also calls for the cooperation of all segments of society.

Many celebrations will take place around the world to mark this event. In Geneva, on 8 and 9 October 2009, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, together with the NGO Group for the Convention on the Rights of the Child and other partners, is organising a two-day celebration focussing on the theme “Dignity, Development and Dialogue”.
For more information on this conference, please click here : http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/crc/20thAnnivCRC.htm

13 July 2009

Terre des Hommes at the Annual Ministerial review of the UN Economic and Social Council

The Annual Ministerial Review of the UN Economic and Social Council (Geneva July 6-9, 2009) focussed on progress in achieving internationally agreed goals and commitments in regard to global public health. It was a high-level conference opened by the President of Switzerland and attended by several Ministers of Health and heads of UN agencies. An “Innovation Fair” was held alongside the Conference to enable UN agencies, NGO and the private sector to present innovative health projects to participants in the Ministerial Review. Through the Terre des Hommes International Federation (TDHIF), Terre des Hommes Netherlands was invited both to address the Ministerial Review and to participate in the Innovation Fair.

TDHIF presented Tdh Netherlands’ hospital ship programme (with ships specifically designed for Bangladesh and Brazil) to the UN Annual Ministerial Review as an effective means to reach isolated populations by bringing up to date health care facilities to the very place where they are living. The programme has also a multiplier effect and can be replicated in other countries where populations face similar difficulties. As a result of this programme, in Bangladesh preventive and curative health care services have been provided to inhabitants of offshore islands through centres established in three geographical units. In Brazil, some 40’000 inhabitants of the Amazon region have benefited from preventive and curative health care. Local governments of the three Brazilian municipalities covered by the programme take an active part in it.

TDHIF also presented more information on the hospital ship programme at the “Innovation Fair” during which a number of governmental representatives, UN agencies and private sector demonstrated their interest by visiting the stand and by their questions.

TdH stand at the UN Innovation Fair

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon visiting the TdH stand

June 9, 2009

Combating the worst forms of child labour - a priority for Terre des Hommes

June 12, 2009 will mark the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the ILO Convention 182. This Convention promotes an international legal standard to protect children from the worst forms of labour, and addresses the urgent need for action to tackle them. The 2009 World Day against Child Labour, which marks the adoption of the Convention, will be dedicated to global awareness on child labour with a specific focus on girls, as an estimated 100 million are involved in child labour. Many of these girls undertake similar types of work to boys, but they also endure extra risks and often work in hidden situations. Large numbers of young girls work in agriculture and the manufacturing sector, frequently in dangerous situations; but many do domestic work in third party households. The extreme forms of girl exploitation include slavery, bonded labour, prostitution and pornography. Regarding educational opportunities, girls may often be the last to be enrolled and the first to be withdrawn from school, if the family has to make such choices. Girls’ access to education may also be limited by other factors such as the safety of the journey to school.

Agriculture represents about 60-70% of girl labour and is one of the most dangerous sectors in which they work. Whether girls work on their parents' farms, or are hired to work on the farms of others, the hazards and levels of risk they face can be worse than those for adult workers. Girls labouring in agriculture often combine this work with domestic chores, and this results in a lack of educational opportunities.

Domestic work is one of the most common forms of girls' labour (90% of domestic labourers are girls). It is often linked to trafficking or bonded labour, and the child finds herself stuck with her employer without any protection against all kinds of abuse. Given the inconspicuous nature of domestic work, it is impossible to have reliable figures on how many children are exploited as domestic workers. It should not be forgotten that the risks involved in domestic work are important: degrading treatment, sexual abuse, long and tiring working days, handling dangerous items, insufficient food. And the resulting effects are: no access to education, no right to rest, no recreation, and little (or no) contact with parents.

Some two million children are exploited every year in the multibillion dollar sex industry. Commercial sexual exploitation of children includes child prostitution, child sex tourism and child pornography. It is a most degrading form of child abuse with lasting effects.

Within the framework of Convention 182, Terre des Hommes designs and implements programmes to protect children from the worst forms of labour and to offer educational opportunities and sustainable alternatives. Terre des Hommes also works on the prevention side, and supports families in increasing household income to enable a decent life for their children. Terre des Hommes also acts at an international level to ensure a child rights focus in relevant decision making, and it conducts action research to provide responses that are truly adapted to the situation of individual children.

March 2009

Human Rights Council Holds its 10th Session –-
Inauguration of the First Annual Full-day Meeting on the Rights of the Child

From 2 until 27 March 2009, the Human Rights Council held its 10th regular session at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, which was presided over by Ambassador Martin Ihoeghina Uhomobhi of Nigeria. The Council closed its session by adopting 34 texts on a wide range of issues, after it had heard a number of reports covering different human rights situations , and held interactive dialogues between States, independent observers and members of civil society.

In March 2006, the General Assembly established the Human Rights Council, the main intergovernmental body of the United Nations on all matters relating to human rights. The Council is responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe, and aims to address human rights violations and make recommendations on them. It is the successor of the Commission on Human Rights. A key change was the introduction of a Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism for all countries (192 UN Member States) regarding their implementation of human rights. Other features include a new Advisory Committee, which serves as the Council’s “think tank”, providing it with expertise and advice on thematic human rights issues, and the revised Complaints Procedure mechanism, which allows individuals and organizations to bring complaints about human rights violations to the attention of the Council. The Human Rights Council also continues to work closely with the UN Special Procedures established by the former Commission on Human Rights and assumed by the Council.

The Council meets regularly, at least three times a year. During its March session the Council, among other measures, established the post of an Independent Expert in the field of cultural rights, appointed a Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Cambodia, and extended the mandates of the Independent Expert on the human rights situation in Somalia and those of the Special Rapporteurs on the human rights situation in Myanmar and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. It also elected four members of the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee.

On the 11 March, the Council inaugurated the first annual full-day meeting on the rights of the child. In the context of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the meeting aimed to identify critical areas in need of further attention and action, as well as best practices to promote the full implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The day was divided into two panels on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child at international and national levels. It also held a general debate on the topic. Navi Pillay, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that there was no doubt that the Convention had transformed the way the world viewed children – they were no longer viewed as the property of parents or the passive recipients of charity or goodwill, but as rights-holders. This conceptual shift also underscored States' accountability in fulfilling their obligations towards children's rights. During the day, TDHIF, through two joint statements with other child rights NGOs, advocated an effective integration of children’s rights in all aspects of the work of the Council and the establishment of a Communication Procedure under the Committee on the Rights of the Child, as additional tools to further the respect of children’s rights.

March 26 2009

President Barroso meets the heads of European Development NGOs: European NGOs put pressure on G20 to save developing countries from crises

For the first time on March 26, Chief Executive Officers of more than a hundred of the biggest European Development NGOs met the President of the European Commission, to urge him to put pressure on Member States and make sure the upcoming G-20 Summit will deliver meaningful results for developing countries hit by the financial and environmental crises.

Just a few days ahead of the G20 summit on the financial crisis and the release of the 2008 Official Development Aid figures by the OECD, CONCORD (1), the European NGO Confederation, convened a meeting of key NGO leaders and Development players from the European institutions to reflect on the impact of the financial and environmental crises on developing countries.

Taking a strong stance, Justin Kilcullen, President of CONCORD explained: “People living in developing countries have experienced a decrease in development assistance, due to the financial difficulties in the world. These trends and impacts could have tragic consequences for the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in a context of great precariousness, while the vast majority of people living in poverty bear no responsibility for this crisis"

Over the past few months, three European governments have slashed their 2009 Official Development Assistance: Ireland by 95 million Euros (10% of its overall budget), Italy by 56% (or 400 million Euros) and Latvia by 100%. (2)

As said M. Barroso: “in this global crisis we need a global approach and global solutions. Development is not part of the problem, but part of the global solution to the crisis. There can be no economic recovery without the developing countries. Our growth and stability is inextricably linked to theirs and vice versa.”

Olivier Consolo, Director of CONCORD added: “Thousands of billions of Euros were found to support the bank system that provoked the crisis. At current aid levels the actual and potential costs of bank bailouts are equivalent to official development assistance for the next 154 years! "

Answering these claims, M. Barroso insisted that: The recession must not, cannot, will not be used as an excuse for going back on our promises European support now in the middle of the crisis is essential, both in objective terms, and to avoid leaving developing countries the sense that they have been abandoned. We cannot undo the hard work of so many years. We cannot permit the current crisis to kill the hope that has started to spring in the developing world.”

Justin Kilcullen, CONCORD President, stressed that: “deep questioning of the current development model is necessary, particularly of the model of economic welfare through economic growth, unequal distribution of wealth and the overshoot of natural resources. We are calling for a reform of the global economic governance where the developing countries would have more weight.”

NGOs pressed the current President of the European Commission to make use of the political and economic influence of the European Union to push for fundamental changes in terms of global economic governance, structures and policy orientations of the institutions that have an impact on development.

Olivier Consolo stressed: “It is time for the G20, the closed “club of the rich and the newly-rich” to open its door to developing countries and to include them in the real search for solutions. The G20 must be something else other than a public relation show for the citizens.”

(1) CONCORD is the European Confederation of Relief and Development NGOs. Its national associations and international networks represent over 1 600 NGOs which are supported by millions of citizens across Europe. CONCORD leads reflection and political actions and regularly engages in dialogue with the European institutions and other civil society organisations. CONCORD is part of the 'Global Call to Action against Poverty'

(2) The EU 15 old Member States committed, in 2002, to give at least 0.33% of GNI as aid by 2006 (with an average of 0.39%) and 0.7% by 2015. In 2005, they committed to give 0.51% at least by 2010 (with an average of 0.56%) The 12 New member States committed to give 0.17% of GNI as aid by 2010 and 0.33% by 2015. According to the OECD, European aid fell from 0.41% to 0.38% of Gross National Income (GNI) in 2007, getting further from, not closer to, their 2010 commitments.

February 2009

There was strong civil and institutional participation at the international seminar on “Anti-trafficking actions and human rights based approach in South Asia, outcomes and links with Europe”, hosted by Member of European Parliament, Marusya Ivanova Lyubcheva.

Around 60 participants, representing the European Parliament and Commission, governments, students and academics, NGOs from Asia and Europe, law enforcement agencies and judicial police, attended the international seminar organised by Terre des Hommes International Federation (TDHIF). Speakers from India, Nepal and Bangladesh shared experiences and lessons learnt from a three-year anti-trafficking project co-funded by the European Commission.

The three-year project aimed at mainstreaming a human rights based approach in anti-trafficking initiatives in South Asia. A comparative analysis of anti-trafficking legislation in the three countries was undertaken in the framework of the project, together with advocacy activity aiming at the harmonisation and improvement of this legal framework. Harmonisation of existing approaches and the development of human rights based ones were also goals of awareness-raising activities and victim protection in the region. Local NGOs from South Asia welcomed the project, as it offered a platform for exchanges and actions. They also appreciated the support expressed during the meeting by Members of the European Parliament and Commission. Trafficking in human beings continues on a large scale in South Asia, and manifests itself not only through sexual exploitation, but also through forced labour and illegal inter-country adoptions. Local NGOs in the region remain committed to addressing human trafficking through a rights based approach. They are calling upon their respective governments to put the fight against human trafficking high on the political agenda, and to invest adequate resources. Ongoing support by international NGOs such as TDHIF, and the political support of the international community, including the EU, were considered necessary by participants from South Asia.

As well as the situation presented by the South Asian speakers, European NGOs and institutions also discussed the situation of child trafficking in Europe, the efforts undertaken so far, and the existing gaps. Despite the existence of a political will in Europe to address the phenomenon, governments need to increase their concrete efforts in implementing actions against human trafficking. Throughout the EU Member States, the EU anti-trafficking Action Plan remains poorly implemented with low figures on victims’ assistance and number of trafficking cases prosecuted. Among the conclusions drawn by the European Commission was that the judicial approach remains inefficient insofar as it is not supported by a real policy on the protection of the victims. The EU could and should develop legislation on victims’ protection.

Another weak point, which is common to both regions, relates to the protection of children on the move. Referring to the recent TDHIF publication by Mike Dottridge: Kids abroad: ignore them, abuse them or protect them? participants shared their understanding of child mobility versus child trafficking, what could be done in both contexts, and the limitations faced by civil society and governments. “More could and should be done to prevent child migration being unsafe”, explains the author. He adds: “Organisations, including governments and NGOs, should give precedence to the best interests of children over other interests”.

The agenda of the International Seminar and the presentations can be downloaded here.

0. agenda

1. Developing a Rights-based Approach for Anti-trafficking Actions in South Asia: Introduction on the project
by Massimo Lanciotti

2. The airport, a safe haven for minors travelling alone? Explorative research on the risk of victimization
at Brussels Airport - Belgium
by Tony Verachtert – Head of Federal judicial police, airport division, Valesca Lippens – researcher Free University of Brussels and Dr Ilse Derluyn – Ghent University

3. Child trafficking in SEE -Tdh Strategy of Intervention
by Tdh Lausanne

4. Human Trafficking: A global problem in search of a global solution
by Marusya Lyubcheva, member of the European Parliament

5. KIDS ABROAD: A Terre des Hommes study on ways of making migration less unsafe for children
by Mike Dottridge, independent consultant

6. Strengthening the Local Administrative Institutions and Law Enforcement Agencies to Develop a Rights Based Approach for Anti-Trafficking Action.
by Mr. N.B.K. Tripura, ndc Additional Inspector General - Bangladesh Police & National Project Director Police Reform Program

7. Legal framework and rights-based approach in law schools - Harmonization of anti-trafficking legal frameworks with international standards and RBA in law schools curricula in South Asia
by Ms. Muna Basnyat AT Program Coordinator, Tdh-Lausanne

8. Advocacy, lobbying and networking are increased at regional and national level to promote harmonization of human rights-based domestic legal framework, policies and strategies
by By: Deepanita Biswas, Programme Coordinator, Tdh-Germany

9. Capacity building of local institutions: strengthening of local administrative institutions and law enforcement agencies for a rights-based approach in anti-trafficking actions
by Ms. Patrizia Gattoni, Regional Project Manager, Tdh-Italy

10. Awareness raising Campaign and services to the survivors The role of HRDC (Human Rights Defenders’ Committees) In preventing Human Trafficking and protecting Survivors at local level
by Ashish Ghosh - National Coordinator – India Terre des Hommes Suisse

New York, February 2009

YOUTH STAND UP TO STOP THE USE OF CHILD SOLDIERS

photo: Terre des Hommes Germany

Former child soldiers accompanied youth activists from the United States and Germany to give more than 250 000 printed “Red Hands” to the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, who said that “the issue will remain a high priority for the United Nations”. He added that “the entire United Nations system and I are determined to stamp out such abuse”.

These symbolic Red Hands were presented on 12th February, the anniversary of the UN Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which forbids the use of children in conflict.

photo: Terre des Hommes Germany
The leader of the Terre des Hommes Child Rights Team in Germany presenting an album with red hand prints from all over the world to the UN Secretary General

The fight for these children is not over, on this Red Hand day, young people around the world want to remind that there are still more than 250 000 children under the age of 18, who are being forced into conflicts in at least 15 countries – including some that have ratified the treaty.

The Red Hand Day Campaign, an initiative of the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, encourages young people to organize events to highlight the continued use of child soldiers. Activities include marches, petition drives, special exhibitions, public awareness programs at schools, and presentations of red hands to members of legislative bodies. In Germany, for example, young people with the Singer Wolfgang Niedecken gave more than 100 000 “Red Hands” prints to Federal President Horst Köhler.

For further information:
www.tdh.de/content/themen/weitere/
kindersoldaten/red_hand_day.htm

November 2008

3rd World Congress against Sexual Exploitation of children and adolescents: Rio de Janeiro November 25-28, 2009
Going step by step

The 3rd World Congress against Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents has ended in Rio de Janeiro on Friday November 28, after a week of intense work involving 3400 participants, including 170 government delegations, 850 NGOs, 260 journalists and 300 children and adolescents. The Congress had been opened on Tuesday November 25, by President Lula in the presence of Queen Silvia of Sweden, who actively participated in the Congress work. The Congress resulted in an international plan of action reflecting the commitments taken by participating states, civil society and corporate actors in the fight against sexual exploitation and the trafficking of children.

Brasil President Lula da Silva opening the 3rd World Congress

Sexual exploitation of children is a scourge that spares no region or social groups. According to the UN, an estimated 150 million girls and 73 million boys under 18 have experienced forced sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual abuse. Alarmingly the most commonly reported perpetrators of sexual violence against girls are male family members. An estimated 82 million girls around the world, some as young as 10 years of age will marry before their 18th birthday and an estimated 1.8 million children are victims of prostitution or pornography.
Terre des Hommes contributed to the preparation of the Congress and was actively present during all its work. It co-organized 6 workshops on protecting children against sexual exploitation. One workshop on sex tourism, for example, presented the work undertaken in collaboration with local NGOs concerning extraterritorial laws which most Western countries have put in place. These laws allow to prosecute European tourists for sexual abuses committed abroad and the sex offenders are often first identified by NGOs.

Terre des Hommes (Netherlands) workshop

Terre des Hommes also presented its latest research on protecting children on the move1 to the Congress. The study highlights the increased number of children on the move who leave home either forced or voluntarily, the dangers they face, and the general lack of knowledge about this phenomenon.
The Congress highlighted existing and emerging practices and allowed exchange of knowledge among different sectors of society involved in child protection. As an example, an entire afternoon was devoted to corporate social responsibility. Many examples were presented about initiatives by the tourism and transport industry to prevent child sexual exploitation, as well as about new uses of the Internet. The Congress also gathered various professions involved in the fight against sexual exploitation, such as the police or juvenile justice.

1 Mike Dottridge : Kids abroad : ignore them, abuse them or protect them ? Lessons on how to protect children on the move from being exploited

For more information and to download the outcome document of the Congress, click here.

November 2008

TDHIF General Assembly, 8-9 November 2008, Saint-Denis, France

On 8-9 November 2008, the Terre des Hommes International Federation (TDHIF) held its Annual General Assembly in Saint-Denis, France. The TDHIF adopted new Statute and Rules and Regulations to optimise its performances through enhanced promotion and support to the work of its member organisations. A new International Board was elected, composed of the TdH Foundation/Lausanne, TdH Germany, TdH Italy, TdH Netherlands and TdH Switzerland, under the Chairmanship of Raffaele K. Salinari.

The TDHIF reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the fight against child trafficking through 70 field projects supported by awareness raising activities, and to the protection of children – through the implementation of the “Keeping Children Safe” toolkit, which contains internationally agreed standards.
The TDHIF also analysed future trends in the area of development cooperation to anticipate changes in this field and shape timely and appropriate responses for its beneficiaries : the children of the world.

October 2008

60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

On 10 December 2008, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) will celebrate its 60th anniversary. The UDHR proclaims that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. It was the first international treaty to express the fundamental human rights to which all human beings are entitled, such as the right to life, liberty and security of persons, or the right to an adequate standard of living. The UDHR was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948.

To commemorate this important anniversary, various Terre des Hommes organizations around the world are organizing activities and events to promote the rights of children. Terre des Hommes was founded in 1960 to ensure that all children in the world can enjoy their basic rights without racial, religious, political, cultural or gender-based discrimination.

Terre des Hommes (Spain) is training volunteers interested in Human Rights Law to go to colleges and secondary institutions to raise awareness among younger children about universal rights. They will also join the itinerant exposition “Caravana de los derechos humanos”, from 17 to 23 November in Castellòn (Valencia), an initiative whereby Spanish lawyers will present their activities regarding the protection of human rights to the public. For more information, please visit the website www.cgae.es/caravana/home.do

Terre des Hommes (Germany) is the co-organizer of an international workshop on Human Rights Budgeting that will take place on 9 December 2008 in Berlin. The workshop will focus on how different government policies (for example, financial policies or the utilization of the government budget) can promote or violate basic human rights. The event is being organized in conjunction with the Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation and Global Policy Forum Europe.

July 2008

Fight against child sex tourism

Help stop sexual exploitation of children

Every year thousands of European tourist travel to countries in Asia, South America, Africa and Southeast Europe to have sex with minors. Although it is illegal, hardly any of the offenders get caught. This has to stop. Terre des Hommes has launched a campaign to end child sex tourism, focusing on investigation and prosecution of sex offenders while protecting victims. Unfortunately neither is now common. Other NGO’s and Members of the European Parliament joined the campaign with the online petition www.sayno.eu. With your signature you will express your concerns about sexual exploitation of children all over the world. The petition will be offered to politicians during the World Conference in Rio de Janeiro November 2008.

May 2008

European NGOs demonstrate against scandalous lack of progress in EU development aid

At the opening of a meeting of EU Ministers on aid in May 2008, anti-poverty organisations from across Europe are out in protest against the cavernous gap of 75 billion euros in aid promised by the European member States to developing countries.

As Development Ministers arrive in Brussels, the Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP), and CONCORD, the European NGO Confederation for Relief and Development - representing over 1600 European NGOs - are joining forces to criticise European governments for their failure to live up to aid promises.

"A failure on the part of European Union to meet its aid promises directly condemns the poor and marginalized in developing countries to a life of poverty. Already in many poor countries, the verdict is that the Millennium Development Goals will not be met. This is a scenario the world can ill-afford and we demand action" said Marivic Raquiza, of GCAP South-East, North and Central Asia (GCAP-SENCA).

Negotiations to date have pointed towards footdragging by a number of European governments, particularly on the issue of setting rigorous annual timetables to meet their goals on aid. Without these timetables, aid will remain unpredictable and volatile, a situation which will have heavy impact on the poorest and most vulnerable.

Today’s campaign action follows the publication of “No Time to Waste”, a new report by CONCORD reveals that on current trends the European Union (EU) will have given 75 billion less in aid by 2010 than it promised, threatening progress on the UN Millennium Development Goals set for 2015. If the recent record of slow progress continues, Europe will find it harder to meet its target with every year that passes.

“A hundred thousand estimated dead in Burma, food prices rocketing and a woman dying every minute in pregnancy or childbirth. Now, more than ever, European governments must deliver the aid they promised to the world’s poor” says Justin Kilcullen, President of CONCORD.

2008 is a crucial year for aid, testing the credibility of European governments. At the High Level Ministerial Forum on Aid Effectiveness in Accra, Ghana this coming September, the EU will review its progress against crucial commitments made in 2005 in Paris.

European NGOs join the OECD and the European Commission in calling on European governments to honour their promises and commit to clear, measurable, binding timetables setting out the year-on-year aid increases in aid that are necessary for the MDGs to be met.

February 2008

Adoption : at what cost ?
For an ethical responsibility of receiving countries in intercountry adoption

On the 26 February 2008, in Brussels, Terre des Hommes International Federation TDHFI and Terre des hommes – child relief (Lausanne) presented to several representatives of the competent authorities, experts and Members of the European Parliament the study “Adoption : at what cost ? For an ethical responsibility of receiving countries in intercountry adoption”, a comparative analysis of the laws and practices of six countries (France, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Spain and Italy).

National experts on adoption from France, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Norway and Germany respond to TDH report findings.

Analysis of the practices in adoption in six European countries.

The morning of the 26 February 2008 focused on the position statements of the representatives of the Central Authorities of the concerned European countries. More than 80 experts in intercountry adoption coming from 16 European countries attended the presentation of the report and the following debate. The representatives of the Central Authorities stated their appreciation of the study and explained their positions concerning the recommendations made by Terre des hommes in its report. Everyone agreed on the need of child protection measures within intercountry adoption as a way to improve practices and prevent trafficking.

A European opening : presentation of the study at the European Parliament

The roundtable at the European Parliament, joined by some of its members and by experts in intercountry adoption, was an important moment for Terre des hommes. It represented a decisive step towards the diffusion of best practices in intercountry adoption. The event contributed to clearly point out Terre des hommes as an NGO able of sharp analysis and with a sound competence on such a complex topic. Moreover, the event led to position statements at European Union level.

Organised with the collaboration of Ms. Catherine Stihler, member of the European Parliament (GB), and with the support of Ms. Luisa Morgantini, Vice-President of the European Parliament (I), the roundtable managed to catch the attention of several MEPs : Brian Crowley (IE), Iratxe Garcia Perez (E) and Claire Gibault (F), replied to our invitation, and another MEP, Mrs Marie-Hélène Deschamps (F) assisted and actively participated to the debate. The attendance of six members of the European Parliament is a clear sign of the political interest raised by intercountry adoption at EU level.

All the participants agreed on the importance of ethical practices in intercountry adoption, of promoting the best interest of the child and preventing child trafficking. Nevertheless, different political positions came out. The debate at the Parliament clearly showed two standpoints: one supporting adoption, based upon personal experiences and marked by a strong emotional approach, the other one aiming at a restrictive policy, pushing for keeping the children within their countries of origin. The first position corresponds to a policy intending to find adoptable children for a growing number of prospective adoptive parents, asserting their right to a child. The interventions of the participants also showed these divergences, notably between professionals and representatives of organisations of adoptive parents or of adoptees.

The European Commission is going to launch a study analysing the laws and practices in the 27 member States. For the first time the Commission will deal with intercountry adoption in a European perspective. Terre des hommes’ report is therefore more than pertinent, happening in a fertile political context. Hence, the Brussels event is the first step of an advocacy strategy that needs to be continued and developed at European level. Most important, it enabled Terre des hommes to position itself and to launch the idea of an ethical chart at European level, which represents our main advocacy goal in the mid-term.

The main recommandations of Terre des hommes

The study of Terre des hommes compares and analyses the laws and practices in intercountry adoption of six European countries (France, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Spain and Italy). It develops several recommendations for good practices aiming at fighting child trafficking and promoting intercountry adoption on the basis of the rights of the child. The document includes 42 detailed recommendations regarding all the phases and all the actors involved in intercountry adoption. The main points of these recommendations are the following:

No right to adoption : The authorities and the members of the Parliament of the receiving countries must stress the concept that no body, in no case, has a right to adopt and we urge them to adapt the procedures to this ethical fundamental principle.
Awareness building on the reality of adoptable children: The frequent desire of parents to adopt a young and healthy child does not correspond to the growing reality of children in need of intercountry adoption. Often they are in an older age and suffer from more or less serious health problems. We recommend better awareness building on the reality of adoptable children and to provide accreditations to prospective adoptive parents according to the needs of the child.
Prohibition of private adoption : Private or independent adoptions present high risks, not benefiting from any professional support from the accredited bodies. Moreover, they happen mainly with non-contracting States of the Hague Convention and offer very few guarantees regarding the adoptability of children and the legality of the procedure. We recommend the prohibition of private adoptions with some very rare exceptions.
Investing in training, professionalism and cooperation among accredited bodies: An ethical approach in intercountry adoption has a cost and accredited bodies need enough resources to guarantee professional performances in a highly technical field. We urge the governments to invest in the training of the accredited bodies in intercountry adoption and to guarantee more financial transparency.

Ignacio Packer, Head of programme of TdH Foundation (Lausanne), releasing TdH recommendations to the European Parliament, and MEP Catherine Stihler, chair and host of the round-table hold in the European Parliament

More information ...

Interventions in English:

Intervention Mrs Amparo Marzal Martinez - General Director of Children and Family Affairs, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Spain

Mr Nigel Cantwell - Independent Consultant on Child Protection

Mr Ignacio Paker - Terre des hommes Lausanne - Switzerland

Mr Wolfgang Meincke - Head of division in the Federal Ministry for
Family Affairs, Senior Citizen, Women and Youth - Germany

Mrs Jennifer Degeling - Principal Legal Officer - HCCH

Mrs Daniela Bacchetta - Vice President of the Commission for Intercountry Adoptions (CAI) – Italian Central Authority - Italy

Mr Oddpjorn Hauge - Directorate of children, youth and family affairs, Norway

Interventions en français:

M. Didier Dehou - Représentant de l’Autorité centrale de la Belgique francophone - Belgique

Mrs Amparo Marzal Martinez - Directrice générale de la Famille et de l’Enfance au Ministère du travail et des affaires sociales - Espagne

M. Richard Bos - sous-directeur de la coopération internationale en droit de la famille, secrétaire général de l’Autorité centrale pour l’adoption internationale au ministère des Affaires étrangères et européennes - France