PHA-Exchange> Ensuring the rights of indigenous children

[Claudio]

From: Ruggiero, Mrs. Ana Lucia (WDC) 
 EQUIDAD at LISTSERV.PAHO.ORG 


ENSURING THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS CHILDREN


UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre

Innocenti Digest - October 2003

Florence, Italy



Available online as PDF file [34p.] at:

http://www.unicef-icdc.org/publications/pdf/digest11e.pdf 



".....In recent years issues affecting indigenous peoples have received growing national and international attention and significant progress has been made towards the promotion of their rights. In this process, encouraging as it is, indigenous children have not always received the distinct consideration they deserve. In some cases, their particular situation has been obscured by other issues of broader concern to indigenous peoples, including land rights and political representation. Such concerns are, of course, fundamental to indigenous communities, but it is nonetheless crucial that they are considered together with targeted action to safeguard the distinct identity of indigenous children and to promote the realization of their human rights.



Traditional indigenous structures are well suited to ensuring protection and provision for children and young people. When, however, these structures begin to break down as a result of pressure exerted on indigenous communities due to environmental change, economic exclusion, displacement, exploitation or armed conflict children can be particularly at risk. As this Digest highlights, all too frequently indigenous children live in extreme poverty, do not attend school, demonstrate higher levels of morbidity and mortality than their non-indigenous peers and are vulnerable to violence, abuse and exploitation. Often this experience of marginalization erodes their very identity, and with it their sense of self-esteem.



The Digest dedicates particular attention to four strategic areas where significant progress can be made in the realization of the rights of indigenous children to the highest standard of health and nutrition; quality education; effective, culturally sensitive protection and support; and participation in the decisions that affect them. A child who is healthy and literate, lives in security and is able to express his or her views is a child who not only develops in harmony with his or her community, but also strengthens that community and ensures that it flourishes through social progress and the promotion of respect for human rights..."





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