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Source: Working Group on Children’s Rights in a Globalizing World (CR4WSF)
About the group
The group on "Children’s Rights in a Globalising World" (CR4WSF) is an umbrella group, comprising organisations, networks and alliances working on the issues of children's’ rights in India and other regions. We have come together to focus on issues and concerns of children in the 4th World Social Forum (WSF). We believe that the WSF will offer the space to strengthen alliances and reaffirm the belief that ‘Another World is Possible’ and that the conception of ‘Another World’ is indeed child centered; that children too have a role in defining and determining it.
Our objectives
- To make connections between children’s rights and the five principle focuses of the WSF – imperialist globalisation, patriarchy, militarism and peace, communalism, casteism and racism – and reflect the centrality of children in the agenda of development with justice.
- To focus on the ways in which forces of globalisation, privatisation and liberalisation have impacted poor children the world over as states diminish their commitments and investments in social development, particularly in sectors of education, health and basic services.
- To build dialogue and alliances with other movements working for the rights of the poor and marginalized – particularly dalits, indigenous people, peasants and workers, women and young people.
- To create a space for children and their organisations to deliberate and express their views on the various themes of the WSF and how they affect them, as well as articulate their conception of ‘Another World’ – a world that enables them to live in peace, security and dignity.
Why a separate space for children at WSF 2004?
While the theme of the WSF – Another World is Possible – points to the future, it is silent about children, especially marginalised children, and their role in creating that future. Everything that affects all people affects children, and in a distinct manner. It is therefore, necessary to make inroads with the children's agenda into the Forum and its various themes in the most positive way and link with other ongoing processes of the WSF.
Concerns affecting children must be given adequate space because the young, especially those living in developing countries as well as the marginalised within developed countries, continue to face risks to survival and pervasive uncertainties of development and security. The forces of globalisation and neo-liberalism have under-cut even the meagre State support such children and youth could expect, and have aggravated the risks and insecurities of hundreds of millions of them at the most vulnerable stage of their lives. The survival, protection, development and participation rights of children and youth are at the core of any model for development with justice. Justice for everyone begins with justice for those who are too young and powerless to fight for it and demand it. WSF 2004 must not fail to highlight the specific plight of children and amplify their voices.
How do we plan to bring child rights to the forefront of WSF 2004?- Engage in preparatory processes with children to create awareness about WSF, thus enabling their informed participation.
- Raise child rights issues through special spaces such as a panel (on ‘Children's Rights in a Globalising World – Holding States and International Financial Institutions Accountable’), workshops, seminars, exhibitions, evening assemblies for children, a daily newsletter etc.
- Participate in the CR4WSF events as well as events/programmes organised by other social movements (in the WSF), with the purpose of relating these events to the children's agenda.
How could you join us?
The collective forum of CR4WSF serves as an umbrella for networks, organisations and alliances of children and those working with children to come together, keeping their own independence, names and identity. Networks and alliances are therefore, invited to lend their names to this collective forum and be co-host of the joint events. If your organization wishes to join hands with other movements working for the rights of children in the WSF, please contact:
Alpa Vora/ Johnson Fernandes/ Phoebe Simon
CR4WSF Secretariat,
52/53 Nare Park Municipal School,
Opp. Nare Park Ground,
Parel, Mumbai 400012 (India).
Tel: 91-22-24116393/ 24116394/ 24143498/ 24155250
Email: group@cr4wsf.org, alpavora@hotmail.com
India Alliance for Child Rights (IACR): wecan@bol.net.in Tel: + 91 11 24310959, 24326025
Campaign Against Child Trafficking (CACT): haqcrc@vsnl.net Tel: + 91 11 26490136
Terre des hommes (Germany): tdhindia@vsnl.com Tel: + 91 20 6344028
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Child soldiers
Today, child soldiers are fighting in at least 14 countries around the world. Boys and girls alike are forced into combat, exploited for their labor, and subjected to violence and mistreatment.
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