HC Deb 10 July 2002 vol 388 cc957-8W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support her Department is giving to the UN Children's Fund in addressing child rights in its programmes. [67489]

Clare Short

My Department is collaborating with UNICEF to assist in building its capacity to apply human rights approaches to all areas of its programming. The current programme began in early 2000 and runs until the end of 2003 at an overall cost of about £3.78 million. The work includes:

  • the development of guidance and training materials;
  • human resource development;
  • documentation, assessment. monitoring and dissemination of experiences:
  • developing indicators for monitoring;
  • strengthening regional capacities;
  • strengthening the rights-based approach to integrated management of childhood illness.

We also contribute to this objective through a range of partnerships with UNICEF regional programmes. The goal is to ensure promotion and facilitation of sustained poverty reduction for children and women, particularly those from excluded families, communities and groups.