Twentieth Pan American Child Congress

CD/doc. 18/08 Resolution CD/RES.07 (83-R/08) 5 December 2008 A G E N D A Twentieth Pan American Child Congress To be held in Lima, Peru, in September 2009.

Table of Contents I. Introduction Twentieth Pan American Congress II. Objectives Central Topics Specific Objectives III. IV. Sections (Approved by means of Resolution CD/RES. 07 (83-R/08) Expected Outcomes V. Methodology Additional Information

TWENTIETH PAN AMERICAN CHILD CONGRESS Lima, Republic of Peru, September 2009 I. Introduction The Pan American Child Congress The Pan American Child Congress has provided an area of exchange for the Member States of the Inter-American System since 1916. It preceded significant international efforts with regard to childhood; among them, the creation of the International American Institute for the Protection of Childhood, as it was then called, in 1927. On 22 April 1949, this body formally joined the Organization of American States and to this day it remains in its original headquarters in the city of Montevideo, in the Republic of Uruguay. The Pan American Child Congress (hereinafter, the Congress) is one of the organs of the Inter- American Children s Institute (IIN), in accordance with its statutes, and is defined as an Inter-American meeting of ministerial hierarchy, which assembles ministers, secretaries of state and other high-ranking governmental authorities with jurisdiction in the issue of childhood within the hemisphere. The aim of the Congress is to foster the exchange of experience and knowledge among the peoples of the Americas and to make recommendations which shall further the welfare of children in the region. It meets every five years in different Member States of the Organization of American States (OAS). The nature of the Congress may be that of an Inter-American Specialized Conference, when it is held by resolution of the General Assembly, or that of a Meeting of Consultation of OAS Ministers of Foreign Affairs. Twentieth Pan American Child Congress The Twentieth Pan American Child Congress shall be held in September 2009 in the city of Lima, Peru, in accordance with the mandate issued by the Directing Council by means of Resolution CD/RES. 05 (82-R/07), which was approved during the 82 nd Regular Meeting of this body (26-27 July 2007, Cartagena de Indias) and Resolution CD/RES. 07 (83-R/08) approved during the 83 rd Regular Meeting of the Council held in the city of Ottawa, Canada, on 15 and 16 October 2008. The Twentieth Congress shall focus on the processes of participation and citizenship-building amongst the children of the Member States, together with the development of rights-based public policies and the fostering of the exchange of experiences in connection with comprehensive protection systems. All 1

of this within the framework of the commemoration of the 82 nd Anniversary of the foundation of the IIN, the 60 th anniversary of its inclusion in the Organization of American States (OAS) as a Specialized Organization, and of the 20 th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Time will be allotted to reflection about the origin and prospects of the IIN as a body which links the collective experiences of the Member States and which unites efforts regarding systems of comprehensive protection of children in the Americas. At the same time, the Congress will be based on a gathering of different actors, such as: mayors, legislators, medical doctors, teachers, judges, researchers, and so on, with an inter-disciplinary, inter-institutional and inter-cultural approach. This convocation carries the implicit acknowledgement that the American continent is subject to the same tendencies as the rest of the world with regard to financial crises, climatic change, profound inequalities, energy, economic and food crises and conflicts of public safety, amongst others, which lead to a revision of strategies and available resources in order to deal with these problems. Public policies related to childhood shall be considered in the light of this situation and the debates regarding their currency and empowerment cannot ignore these issues. Priority will be given to achieving a spirit of reflection and to the exchange of experiences amongst actors who are immersed in different realities within the Inter-American system. Participant profiles will be wide-ranging, in the understanding that the rights of children are exercised in a variety of institutional environments, within families and schools, as well as within community social settings. II. Objectives General Objective: To hold the Twentieth Pan American Child Congress in accordance with the aforementioned Resolutions approved by the Directing Council of the IIN, and the characteristics established for it by Article 19 of the IIN Statutes, which state that the Pan American Child Congress is an Inter-American ministerial meeting that has the purpose of promoting the exchange of experience and knowledge amongst the peoples in the Americas on the issues within the competence of the Institute, and of proposing the relevant recommendations. 2

Central Topics for the Twentieth Pan American Child Congress 1. To commemorate the 82 nd Anniversary of the foundation of the IIN, the 60 th anniversary of its inclusion in the Organization of American States (OAS) as a Specialized Organization and the 20 th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. 2. The participation of children in the building of citizenship and its impact on public policies. 3. Public policies in comprehensive protection systems, including local systems. 4. The development of international, regional and bilateral cooperation with regard to public policies. Specific Objectives: 1 To commemorate the 82 nd Anniversary of the foundation of the IIN, the 60 th anniversary of its inclusion in the Organization of American States (OAS) as a Specialized Organization and the 20 th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. To analyze the evolution during this period, of commitments undertaken, new challenges and achievements attained, and to share successful practices and significant lessons learned regarding children and families in the Americas. 2 The participation of children in the building of citizenship and its impact on public policies. To strengthen capabilities and public awareness in the Member States, regarding the genuine exercise of the right of children to participation. 3 Public policies in comprehensive protection systems, including local systems. To contribute to strengthening public policies which the Member States have adopted in the light of a rights-based approach in favour of childhood. When they are formulated and implemented, these public policies must take into account an inter-institutional and interdisciplinary framework, as well as the concept of transversality. 4 The development of international, regional and bilateral cooperation with regard to public policies. To promote reflection regarding the role of international cooperation and establish a process of rapprochement and cooperation between Member States, in order to develop public policies in favour of children, bearing in mind requirements, particularities and both national and subregional interests, with a focus on rights. 3

III. Sections (Approved by means of Resolution CD/RES. 07 (83-R/08) The representatives of the Member States who participated in the 83 rd Regular Meeting of the Directing Council of the Inter-American Children s Institute (IIN), held in Ottawa, Canada, on 15 and 16 October 2008, approved by Resolution CD/RES. 07 (83-R/08), the agenda for the Twentieth Pan American Child Congress, which is composed of four central topics. This in turn gave rise to a discussion which highlighted the emphasis which the General Directorate of the IIN must take into account during the organization of this Congress. The following considerations are submitted as a summary of those discussions and are based on the Directing Council s Resolution: 1. To commemorate the 82 nd Anniversary of the foundation of the IIN, the 60 th anniversary of its inclusion in the Organization of American States (OAS) as a Specialized Organization and the 20 th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The foundation of the Inter-American Children s Institute (IIN) is an historical landmark in the evolution of the protection of children in the Americas, and was strengthened by the incorporation of the Institute into the Organization of American States (OAS) in April 1949. This historical heritage means that the Institution now faces the challenge of constantly updating its cooperative and supportive relations with the Member States, strengthening its role as a connector and technical point of reference, in order to suggest guidelines to the States of the Inter-American system in these matters. It is within this context that the Twentieth Pan American Congress is to be held, and will generate contributions leading to mandates and the renewal of commitments regarding rights and the welfare of American children. Continuous analysis of changing realities will lead to appropriate programmes which will contribute to the development of public policies in favour of childhood in the Americas. Another significant event at this time will be the commemoration of the 20 th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Member States who signed and ratified the Convention, as well as its later Optional Protocols, have established, thanks to this Convention, a common platform for the development of their respective national strategies, based on the recognition of the rights of children. At the same time, the Convention laid down ethical, legal and programmatic principles which influenced public policies. The twentieth anniversary of this treaty regarding the rights of children is a good time to make an analysis of the progress which has been made, as well as of the obstacles and challenges still existing in the region. These commemorations are a focal point which shall inspire discussions and reflections amongst those who are responsible for the design, drafting and implementation of public policies regarding children in the Americas. 4

2. The participation of children in the building of citizenship and its impact on public policies. The 83 rd Regular Meeting of the Directing Council of the IIN laid down the foundations to deal with the challenges posed by child participation in the Twentieth Pan American Child Congress, by promoting a harmonious and complementary atmosphere amongst children and representatives. Ecuador s invitation to hold a preparatory meeting of consultation, in order to discuss the methodological and organizational design of the event, has been accepted. To this end, a committee has been set up, composed of the representatives of nine States, including adults and adolescents, in order to reflect upon the principle that the participation of children is an essential and linking core in the effective and comprehensive exercise of their rights. It is suggested that where public policy is concerned, the emphasis of Member States on child participation, within the framework of building citizenship, the rights of children and the doctrine of comprehensive protection, should focus on reflecting upon processes for drawing up public policy guidelines which will contribute to the exercise and promotion of the right to participation. Evidence of this are the priority levels and the budgets assigned for plans and programmes, and the appropriate and genuine inclusion of the interests made apparent by children in proposals and plans. 3. Public policies in comprehensive protection systems, including local systems. The good design and drafting of public policies is an opportunity for Member States to approach essential subjects with regard to strengthening citizenship building, democracy and governance. Issues such as obvious inequalities, inequity and exclusion, which mainly affect children, will be the principal focal points in the approach to public policies with a focus on rights, within the framework of the Twentieth Pan American Child Congress. This effort implies taking on the challenge of designing and implementing comprehensive protection systems for the rights of children, including those of a local and territorial nature, taking into account inter-sectorial and inter-disciplinary elements as essential aspects. The production of public policies and comprehensive protection systems includes such key components as: national plans, investment, institutionality, the training of human resources, participation, legislation, results management and so on; all with a rights-based approach. At the same time, comprehensive protection strategies should include prevention, care, protection and the restitution of rights, including actions related to defence and guarantees. For this to be possible, it is necessary to revise and analyze public institutions in order to ensure that they are in line with the legislation and national plans of the States. A substantial focal point for the Congress is the exchange of good practices, which encourages the strengthening, development and sustainability of public policies in connection with children. 5

The practical process of comprehensive protection should provide tools for application and access to universal and specialized protection policies. A State public policy should promote the development of technical capabilities in governments in order to create the necessary conditions for the strengthening of families and communities, including the development of the social network within a territorial, inclusive and inter-cultural framework. 4. The development of international, regional and bilateral cooperation with regard to public policies. Within the framework of the Twentieth Pan American Child Congress, the development of international, regional and bilateral cooperation strategies acquires particular significance for the construction of public policies with a rights-based approach, and with priority given to the subjects which are particularly relevant to this Congress, such as child participation and public policies in comprehensive protection systems. In fact, the rights-based approach has been included as a new basis for the development of cooperation in its various settings. At the same time, it is essential that the agenda for cooperation should be drawn up in harmony with national and regional strategies and processes. To the extent that international cooperation organizations consolidate this view, greater impact will be achieved in public policies related to children and families. The mechanisms of regional integration, with a variety of examples in different areas, have generated the production of common agendas which are complementary among the countries and which include approaches to both legal and public policies which encourage international cooperation to establish a priority process of rapprochement and effective collaboration. The supply and demand of international cooperation strategies must base their main platform on the capacity of governments to establish priorities with a view to their economic and social structure, cultural aspects and in particular, the effect of these on the situation of children. 6

IV. Expected Outcomes 1 To encourage a look at IIN s rich history regarding the promotion and application of the guarantees and rights of children in the hemisphere, and, at the same time, to gauge IIN s leading role in drafting and putting into practice the Convention on the Rights of the Child. On the strength of this, to urge Member States to confront the challenges of the present and the future. 2 To establish basic guidelines regarding theoretic and methodological conceptualization in order to establish standards and indicators which can be used as points of reference by Member States in the implementation of child participation. 3 To systematize States experiences in matters regarding the drafting and implementation of public policies with a rights-based approach, allowing for the exchange of experiences, thus giving rise to recommendations in the light of these experiences. 4 To draft guidelines in order to establish comprehensive inter-sectorial policies and international cooperation strategies with a rights-based approach in public policies specialized in childhood rights. At the same time, to obtain a record of international cooperation supply and demand, regarding both public policies and participation. V. Methodology The plan for the Twentieth Pan American Child Congress is as follows: 1. Inauguration of the 84 th Regular Meeting of the Directing Council of the IIN, within the framework of which the Preliminary Session of the Twentieth Pan American Child Congress will be held. The issues determined by the Rules of Procedure for the Congress shall be dealt with (Articles 19 and 20). At the end of the day, the Inaugural Session of the Twentieth Pan American Child Congress, which shall thus be formally declared open, will be held. 2. The following activities shall take place on two consecutive days: General Plenary Sessions Specialized Conferences Meetings of four Thematic Committees Sessions for the Exchange of Good Practices Expert Panels Workshops Proceedings during the Congress will be recorded. 7

Each of the four Thematic Committees will have a Chair, who will be a Member State Representative, and a Rapporteur, who will be an IIN technician. Each Thematic Committee will draft a report which will include its conclusions, as well as technical documents and a list of participants. The four Chairs and the four Rapporteurs will be part of the Rapporteurs Committee, together with the Congress Secretariat. The Rapporteurs Committee will be responsible for drafting the General Report which will be submitted to the President of the Congress for its consideration during the Plenary Session of Member States Representatives. Once the General Report has been submitted to the Plenary Session of Member States Representatives, discussed and approved, it will be made public during a General Plenary Session. Member States Representatives will submit Resolution Projects which must be circulated prior to the Representatives Plenary Session, which will be held on the final day. 3. On this final day, the following events will take place: - A Plenary Session of Member States Representatives, during which agreements will be reached regarding the General Report and the Resolutions of the Twentieth Congress will be approved. - A General Plenary Session, during which the General Report and the Resolutions approved by the Plenary Session of Member States Representatives will be made public. - Closing Session. Plan of Events for the Twentieth Pan American Child Congress 8

Additional Information It should be stressed that the way in which children will participate during the Twentieth Pan American Child Congress will be agreed in Ecuador, during the consulting meeting scheduled for January. In order to provide a follow-up and organize discussions and the evolution of the issue of child participation, the IIN will submit a design which will enable the identification of good practices, as well as progress achieved and challenges faced by each country. The IIN undertakes to make available a permanent virtual area which will include child participation and provide information regarding the structure and content of the Twentieth Pan American Child Congress. It is suggested that topic 1 To commemorate the 82 nd Anniversary of the foundation of the IIN, the 60 th anniversary of its inclusion in the Organization of American States (OAS) as a Specialized Organization and the 20 th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child should not be approached by a single committee, but transversally across committees and at all keynote conferences which pay tribute to the significance of these anniversaries. Cultural activities, as well as those involving organizational issues and matters of image, will be coordinated jointly with the host country. The IIN will undertake the task of systematizing the challenges posed throughout the Twentieth Congress in its several working sessions, and of incorporating them in the records of this event. 9