[afro-nets] Ensuring the Rights of Indigenous Children

[Claudio Schuftan <aviva@netnam.vn>]

Ensuring the Rights of Indigenous Children
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UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre, Florence, Italy
Innocenti Digest - October 2003

Available online as Adobe PDF file (34 pp. 419 kB):
http://www.unicef-icdc.org/publications/pdf/digest11e.pdf

In recent years issues affecting indigenous peoples have re-
ceived growing national and international attention and signifi-
cant progress has been made towards the promotion of their
rights. In this process, encouraging as it is, indigenous chil-
dren have not always received the distinct consideration they
deserve. In some cases, their particular situation has been ob-
scured by other issues of broader concern to indigenous peoples,
including land rights and political representation. Such con-
cerns are, of course, fundamental to indigenous communities, but
it is nonetheless crucial that they are considered together with
targeted action to safeguard the distinct identity of indigenous
children and to promote the realization of their human rights.

Traditional indigenous structures are well suited to ensuring
protection and provision for children and young people. When,
however, these structures begin to break down as a result of
pressure exerted on indigenous communities due to environmental
change, economic exclusion, displacement, exploitation or armed
conflict children can be particularly at risk. As this Digest
highlights, all too frequently indigenous children live in ex-
treme poverty, do not attend school, demonstrate higher levels
of morbidity and mortality than their non-indigenous peers and
are vulnerable to violence, abuse and exploitation. Often this
experience of marginalization erodes their very identity, and
with it their sense of self-esteem.

The Digest dedicates particular attention to four strategic ar-
eas where significant progress can be made in the realization of
the rights of indigenous children to the highest standard of
health and nutrition; quality education; effective, culturally
sensitive protection and support; and participation in the deci-
sions that affect them. A child who is healthy and literate,
lives in security and is able to express his or her views is a
child who not only develops in harmony with his or her commu-
nity, but also strengthens that community and ensures that it
flourishes through social progress and the promotion of respect
for human rights.

Source: Ruggiero, Mrs. Ana Lucia <EQUIDAD@LISTSERV.PAHO.ORG>