Activities DRASIA

Bice is celebrating 2 major events in June 2008 and June 2009: the 60th anniversary of Bice and the 20th anniversary of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The latest was adopted in 1989 and marked a decisive point since it binds in a single document the social, economic, cultural rights as well as the civil and political rights of the child. It inaugurates also a real "culture of childhood" (Jordy Cots). Despite some advancement, there are still hundreds of millions of children living in absolute poverty and deprived of their basic rights to survive, develop, be protected from abuse and exploitation, and participate in matters that affect their lives.

These two events have been an opportunity for Bice to launch a reflection at the international level on the advancements in the child rights agenda, the continuing negation of those rights, as well as new challenges. The Delegation for Asia put together a "group of experts" to contribute to this reflection at the Asian regional level. The group analysed and reflected on the situation of child rights in Asia, based on their respective experience.

 

The final Asian position paper points at the most significant progress made for the past 20 years regarding the dignity and the rights of the child, the most critical violations that persist, and some of the emerging threats that are arising. It includes some recommendations and perspectives for reflection and action for the future.

 

The Asian Expert Group has been constituted by BICE members, partners and associates from Asia, comprising of organizations and individuals, from Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, and Thailand.

 

- Mrs Agnes Zenaida V. Camacho, Psychosocial Support and Children's Rights Resource Centre, Philippines

- Mrs Elisabeth de Castro, Psychosocial Support and Children's Rights Resource Centre, Philippines

- Mrs Shirley Fozzard, Bice Program Consultant in Asia

- Mrs Irada Gautam, Aawaaj President, Nepal

- Mr Irwanto Irwanto, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia

- Mr Sanphasit Koompraphant, Center for the Protection of Children's Rights Foundation, Thailand

- Mr Vannak Pav, CCBO (Community Children based Organisation), Cambodia

- Bro. I. Sebastian FSC, Senior member in De La Salle congregation, South India

- Mrs Davy Tith , Opération Enfants du Cambodge, Cambodia

- Mr Dominic Xavier, Reaching the Unreached Trust, South India

- Dr Gracy Fernandes, Research Director, India