The EU has been urged to launch a “comprehensive strategy” aimed at improving the rights of children.

The demand, from a network of NGOs, came on 20 November, which marks the 18th anniversary of the UN convention on the rights of the child.
It coincides with the launch in parliament today of a campaign aimed at improving child safety.
A report issued by the NGO network says that “serious” violations of children’s rights, including violence against children and trafficking in children, take place “daily” in Europe.
The Brussels-based NGO action group is now calling on the commission to launch a green paper consultation exercise, including with children, leading to a “comprehensive” EU strategy, by the end of 2009.
It has also demanded the creation of a dedicated child rights coordination unit.
The recently-agreed EU reform treaty will, for the first time, include an article on children’s rights.
The action group, an umbrella body for several child action organizations, welcomes this but says the EU must now allocate sufficient funds to act on its treaty commitments.
Jana Hainsworth, coordinator of the action group, said, “In July 2006, the commission committed to developing a strategy to promote and protect the rights of the child.
“Its communication was a big step forward but now it is time for action with a child rights white paper by the end of 2009.”
She said action was needed as figures showed that children are more likely to suffer from poverty, violence and abuse.
“The adoption of the new treaty means the EU has a legal basis on which to act. We are saying, No more excuses, give the children what they deserve.”
The move coincides with the launch in parliament of a campaign aimed at improving child safety.
Spearheading the campaign is UK Socialist deputy Arlene McCarthy, who said that EU governments need to do more to protect children.
(Source:eupolitix.com)