In association:

1. In association:

2. UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS Office of the High Comissioner Expert Consultation Irene Rizzini The International Center for Research and Policy on Childhood/PUC-Rio Childwatch International Research Network 1 - 2 November 2011, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2

3. FOCUS • Children and youth • who have the street as a central reference point • mostly in their family/community contexts but very vulnerable 2

4. Life on the streets: the heart of the matter The problem persists as a major challenge Inadequate responses persist Opportunities: timing is right (for change) Strategies for change: effective responses 2

5. The problem persists as a major challenge • Understanding the roots of the problem • Brazil rich and poor; generations of families barely thriving… • Some indicators: poverty, violence, poor education and slum living conditions 2

6. Rio de Janeiro

7. 2010 census of children in street situations 45% (12-15); 29% (16-17); 23% (6-11) 57% lived with parents, relatives or friends (4% streets) 24% of the 16,17 year olds completed elementary school 2009 household survey children 0 to 6 46% born into families under poverty line 2

8. 2. Inadequate responses persist • Children seem and treated as threats • Violent practices • Negative lens of the media • Focus on children and youth when at high risk 2

9. Missão

10. Missão

12. 3. Opportunities: timing is right (for change) • Children’s rights in Brazil: laws and policies • The Councils’ work on policies • Key actors in action: government and NGOs • Successful use of expertise from University 2

13. Successful experience working with national and local key actors • Federally mandated Children’s Rights Councils. Rio Council: success in producing the first policy • Process of constructing policies on street children in dialogue with key actors in 8 states. Follow up of policies adopted in 3 municipalities: RJ, SL, RE) • Building political support engaging several allies (mandate – responsibility and power to change) 2

14. Successful experience working with national and local key actors • - Identify and engage advocacy groups, workers; youth with street life experience, others • Establishing an agenda with priorities • Set up of an implementation oversight committee • Linking policies to public budgets • Strategies to face challenges policy implementation 2

15. 4. Strategies for change: effective responses • Identify the roots of the problem (broader picture) • Responses beyond violation of rights  promotion of rights  link to other issues such as family planning and support; mental health issues... • Target as priorities: children on the streets but also those still in family settings though vulnerable (family and community ties) 2

16. CHANGE OF LENS PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE FROM “STREET CHILDREN” VIEWED AS A THREAT TO CHILDREN AS GIFTS WITH HOPE IN THE PRESENT AND FUTURE 2

17. Quando há oportunidades...

18. CIESPI Compromisso com as infâncias do mundo Committed to children throughout the world Comprometidos con las infancias del mundo www.ciespi.org.br