19 September 2014 - This is a critical time for the Post-2015 process – the setting of new objectives to replace the Millennium Development Goals. The United Nations will soon launch a draft document that will serve as a basis for the global debate – providing a focus for discussions between governments at an international level, but also between governments, NGOs and the public.
SOS Children’s Villages is closely involved in the process, working with partners who share our vision of ensuring that children without parental care and families at risk should be at the centre of the new agenda.
“Almost 15 years ago, the international community made a commitment [with the MDGs] to reduce global poverty and improve the lives of the millions of children and families who were denied a decent and healthy life. Today we can look back and see that unprecedented progress has been made. Yet the most vulnerable groups in society have not benefitted from this progress. In fact, the number of children in vulnerable situations is worryingly high, and the numbers are increasing,” said Richard Pichler, CEO of SOS Children’s Villages International.
As part of our efforts to contribute to the debate, SOS Children’s Villages is launching a briefing paper entitled, A solid investment: integrating children without parental care into the Post-2015 development framework. [US Letter and A4 formatted PDFs available at right.] The publication demonstrates how children without parental care are highly vulnerable to various forms of poverty and inequality.
Building on international literature, consultations with thousands of children around the world, and our experience in 134 countries and territories, the publication proposes operational strategies for action as well as targets and indicators designed to monitor progress among children without parental care.
“Our briefing paper demonstrates that children who lack or are at risk of losing parental care are amongst the most vulnerable, and they are excluded from access to health care, good education, and decent jobs. They become easy targets for abuse, neglect, violence and exploitation. We need to break the cycle of poverty and inequality," Mr Pichler said.
“This is why we call on world leaders to address inequalities in the Post-2015 development agenda and ensure that children who lack or are at risk of losing parental care are not left behind," he added.
SOS Children’s Villages has published a series of Post-2015 Think Pieces on vital issues such as job opportunities for young people, education and health care to help inform decision-makers and the public about the grave inequalities for children around the world, and the high stakes for all of us if they are not addressed in the Post-2015 global development agenda.
Follow SOS_Advocates on Twitter, #Equality4Children, for live updates on the debates at the 69th UN General Assembly.
Read more about how SOS Children's Villages is working on the Post-2015 process.