MEP hails 'breakthrough' on children's rights

16th January 2008

EURO-MP Glenys Kinnock will today back new EU measures to ensure children's rights are at the heart of all EU activities - at home and abroad.

The Labour MEP has been pivotal in advancing the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child, which will be voted on by Euro-MPs in Strasbourg today.

The Strategy follows the incorporation of children's rights as an essential component of the Lisbon Treaty - ensuring that all EU policies will take account of their impact on children.

Speaking in Strasbourg, GLENYS KINNOCK said:

"The Lisbon Treaty is a real breakthrough for children's rights. It rectifies the absurd and shameful situation that has prevailed hitherto - where animals have had more recognised rights than children.

"The Treaty introduces the protection of children's rights to the EU's policy making process - both within Europe and beyond. It will make it easier for the EU to deliver on children's rights and protect children from abuse, violence and neglect.

"A speedy ratification of the Lisbon Treaty will therefore ensure that children's rights are safeguarded across the EU."

Glenys Kinnock will also urge that priority be given to the rights of children in delivering EU development policy.

GLENYS KINNOCK said:

"Of the world's 2.2billion children, 86% live in developing countries and 98% of those in extreme poverty. It is crucial therefore that these new EU measures ensure that children are at the heart of EU policy in developing countries.

"We must ensure EU funded policies and programmes do not have a negative impact on children in the developing world but instead promote and protect and fulfil children's rights.

"Indeed, in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, children - their survival, development and protection must be placed at the centre of EU policy.

"Children's rights must be covered as a cross cutting issue across all development programming. This must involve child specific programmes which go beyond protecting children from abuse, violence and neglect, to show how children can be seen having a positive role in development."

Notes
• For more information please contact Lisa Stevens at the Labour European Office on 029 2022 7654 or 079 7367 8175

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