4th Asia-Pacific Urban Forum in Hanoi (12-14 October 2005)

Symposium H: Children

Symposium H looked at the current state of progress towards the fulfillment of child-related MDGs, particularly in the Philippines, and discussed ways how cities could better meet children’s needs and rights in relation to these Goals. Ms Angela Desiree Aguirre from the Institute of Philippine Culture introduced the results of a recent study on children and youth in informal settlements of five major Philippine cities and the extent to which these youngsters were being served by the efforts of the government and UNICEF.

The results of the survey suggested that although nationwide progress had been favorable with regard to survival and development rights, many urban poor children were still left out. In the realm of protection the poorest children’s rights were also often denied. Large numbers of them worked full- or part-time, often in hazardous conditions. Many dropped out of school or forewent education entirely owing to their need to help support the family. Domestic violence, neglect, sexual exploitation, and drug abuse frequently figured in these children’s lives. In addition, children from indigenous communities often lost their cultural rights. Of all the rights clusters, those pertaining to participation were least understood and practiced.

Ms Aguirre drew the conclusion that the scale of need went far beyond what city governments were able to provide. Those city governments that actively encouraged and facilitated civil society partnership were the ones most likely to reach larger numbers of children, with better targeting of the poorest among them. Systematic ways of involving the private business sector in child rights attainments remained weak in most cities.
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After the presentation, participants discussed the importance of addressing the real needs of children. To be able to do so, it would be necessary to first properly assess these needs, especially by listening to children’s voices and views. Once needs had been identified, they should be integrated into the city’s and sub-district’s development plans and budgets. Furthermore, support from the related families, communities and civil society as a whole should be garnered and their capacities to address these needs should be strengthened. The importance to develop particular strategies to reach the most disadvantaged children was pointed out.

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Symposium A: Localizing MDGs
Symposium B: Urban Environment
Symposium C: Health
Symposium D: Education
Symposium E: Gender Equality
Symposium F: E-Governance
Symposium G: HIV/AIDS
Symposium H: Children