This report details the proceedings of first in a series of regional forums organized by the Consortium for Street Children. These forums aim to bring together key NGOs and government representatives from selected countries to exchange experiences and formulate recommendations for the promotion and protection of the human rights of street children within each region.
During the forum delegates from each country presented country reports outlining issues and initiatives of national concern to street children. In addition, the forum addressed specific themes affecting street children in the region through group and plenary discussions based on key note presentations, namely: urban poverty and street children/street families; street children and housing / homelessness; street children’s access to basic healthcare and education; child labor and street-working children; sexual abuse, exploitation and trafficking of street-living and street-working children; juvenile justice and street children. In each case, a discussion of the issues is accompanied by solutions and recommendations for both immediate action and longer-term initiatives. In addition, this report includes a compendium of best practices from programs operating across the region. This section highlights the objectives, strategy, activities and accomplishments of individual programs addressing the various needs and rights of children living and working on the street.
The results of these presentations and discussions, as summarized within this report, were fed into the joint statement of recommendations for the region. These recommendations will be used for lobbying and advocacy with governments, international organizations and other actors involved with street children.
©Consortium for Street Children
