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1. EU strategy on the rights of the child
The European Commission issued a communication giving effect
to decisions on promotion, protection and fulfilment of children’s
rights in the internal and external European Union policies. The communication
draws upon the Strategic Objectives 2005-2009 focusing
on protection of the rights of children against economic exploitation
and all forms of abuse. The Commission recognises that children’s
rights are still far from being generally respected and basic
needs are not being met for each an every child within the EU.
The Commission would like to see children’s rights mainstreamed
in EU actions, establish efficient co-ordination and consultation
mechanisms and promote rights of the child also in external
relations.
2. Increase of boys in sex work
A situational analysis carried out by ECPAT International in
collaboration with its partner organisations in Bangladesh,
India and Pakistan shows that the extent of prostitution of
boys is much bigger than generally speculated. Boys are sexually
exploited at a very young age. Children who live and work on
the streets and those working in exploitative environments or
who lack families are very vulnerable to commercial sexual exploitation.
The study can be accessed at from the ECPAT
International website.
3. High-level dialogue on international
migration and development
High Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development
will be held during the 61st Session of the United Nations General Assembly
14-15 September 2006. The dialogue offers governments and
other stakeholders an opportunity to reflect on the reality
of migration on the basis of researched facts, its changing
patterns as well as on the contribution of migration to both
countries of origin and destination.
Roundtables held during the discussions will, among other issues,
address the effects of international migration on economic and
social development and the multidimensional aspects of international
migration and development, including remittances. The topic
of remittances will be discussed in the light of the first Millennium
Development Goal: eradication of extreme poverty and hunger,
and its contribution to poverty reduction and lifting of families
directly from extreme poverty.
4. New ratification of the Council of Europe
trafficking convention
Romania ratified the Council of Europe Convention on Action
Against Trafficking on Human Beings on 21 August 2006. Condition
for the entry into force for the Convention is 10 ratifications
(there are two to date, 5 September 2006, see list
of ratifications for latest).
5. New publications
Anti-Slavery International's Trafficking
for Forced Labour: UK country report is now available. The report contains
information on incidence and nature of this form of trafficking
in the UK and makes policy recommendations for the authorities to address it.
UNICEF and Terre des Hommes published a report on Action
to Prevent Child Trafficking in South Eastern Europe
(this is a PDF document, see bottom of page
about viewing them).
La Strada International published a response to the Report
of the Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, especially
Women and Children (this is a PDF document, see bottom
of page about viewing them).
6. Events
International seminar on domestic workers, 8-10 November
2006, Amsterdam. Head Office of FNV, organised by international
network on labour and development IRENE. More information can
be found at http://www.irene-network.nl/oncoming.htm
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