News and updates

3rd International Salon for Peace Initiatives in Paris

UNOY Peacebuilders sent two representatives to the 3rd International Salon for Peace Initiatives, which took place in Paris from 30 May to 1 June 2008. The event is organised by the French Coalition for the Decade in the framework of the "International Decade for the Promotion of a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010)". There were 15.000 visitors and hundreds of French and international exhibitors presented their peace and non-violence initiatives. The round table discussions included speakers from the Council of Europe, Fundación Cultura de Paz, UNESCO, Franciscans International, Peace Brigades International and Nonviolent Peaceforce. Throughout the weekend, several inspiring workshops were given on a wide range of topics related to peace and non-violence. After the salon, UNOY Peacebuilders represented the Dutch Platform for Culture of Peace during the General Assembly and participated in a meeting on the proposal for an International Declaration on children’s right to violence-free education and to peace and non-violence education.

Dutch Queens Day campaign successful

On April 30th 2008, Dutch Queens Day, UNOY held the 'Violence Against Children and Youth' awareness raising campaign. The Campaign took place at a UNOY stand in the city centre of Utrecht. The day was a great success thanks to our many volunteers. On the campaign day we reached a tremendous amount of people and brought across our message to a wide audience, despite the unfavorable weather conditions. The people who we talked to at our stand were from all ages; from babies to the elderly. All these different people were from many different backgrounds and cultures.
We met a lot of very nice people who were all very interested in the issue of violence against children and youth. In addition, we handed out more than 700 balloons, 1000 postcards and 300 buttons. Furthermore, more than 80 children and youth left their handprints on the canvas and almost 300 signatures were gathered. Also the day before the campaign the youth radio station FunX had an interview with us about the campaign. The interview was broadcasted the following morning.
We appreciate all the wonderful help we received from our volunteers. Thank you all for your commitment and enthusiasm! We look forward to future VACY campaigns.

NGO meeting with Professor Pinheiro and Public Hearing in the European Parliament

The UNOY Peacebuilders Advocacy Team participated on April 14th 2008 to an NGO meeting with UN’s former independent expert on violence against children, Professor Pinheiro, followed by a public hearing in the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights in Brussels.

Professor Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro was appointed Independent Expert to lead the Study on Violence Against Children on behalf of the Secretary General in 2003. The study was published in 2006, and Pinheiro’s mandate formally ended in December 2007. However, Pinheiro is still very active and engaged in this issue and took the time to meet with NGOs working on children rights prior to the parliamentary hearing in Brussels. During this meeting, Professor Pinheiro gave an update on the latest developments with regards to the study, including the approval of the post of a Special Representative on violence against children. Furthermore, he answered questions from the audience and gave recommendations for further action. The study provides very clear recommendations, and it is up to the NGOs to now take appropriate follow-up measures.

The public hearing in European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights focused on the new EU Guidelines for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of the Child, which were adopted by the European Council in December 2007, as well as the EU Guidelines on Children and Armed Conflict. The main discussion focused on the role of EU and children’s rights, especially with regards to external action.

Pinheiro encouraged the EU to continue being a driving force with regards to the protection of children’s rights. The UN study should not only be a book, but also an effective tool for protection of children’s rights. The participation of children and adolescents in the study confirmed the need for continued involvement of children in all issues concerning them, in addition to civil society participation in decision-making. Pinheiro also stressed the importance of dialogue and not only finger pointing. The EU guidelines were designed to support to support foreign policy, but should also guide internal measures within the EU and he encouraged the EU countries to do what they are preaching. Finally, Pinheiro informed the Subcommittee that a long term vision and high political commitments are needed to create lasting solutions for children.

Karen Schroh, the representative from PLAN, recommended awareness raising and dialogue with third countries. Furthermore, EU measures should support existing UN structures and the EU should take a leading role in the promotion of child rights. She stressed the urgency by reminding the audience that children are not only the future, but also the present.

Marta Santos Pais from UNICEF presented to the EU some strategic recommendations. She said it is important with awareness-raising on how the guidelines should be used and that the guidelines are translated into several languages, including child-friendly versions. Secondly, it is important with capacity-building both in Brussels and in the field and the guidelines should be mainstreamed through systematic training. The necessary resources should also be made available. Finally, partnerships need to be institutionalised. She stressed that the agenda is set and the tools are ready. There is now a unique momentum and no time to lose. In fact, action should have been taken yesterday.