The South Asian Report on the Child-friendliness of Governments

South Asian Report On the Child-friendliness of Governments

The report• Inspired by the African Report on Child Wellbeing (2008)• Objective look on South Asian governments and other actors’

contribution to child-friendly societies– authoritative sources, neutral language, non-judgemental indicators

• Progress measured at both country and regional level • Composite index and rankings

– two main dimensions (legal & policy and outcomes) across six themes • Index data complemented by – detailed country-level information,

chapter on child budgeting and the views of prominent CR defenders• Key information for government action and learning

– designed as a tool for governments• Source for non-governmental advocacy

South Asian Report On the Child-friendliness of Governments

Methodology

• Strong project management– Desk studies, external partners, researchers and reviewers

• Use of authoritative sources verified at multiple levels to ensure accuracy

• New legal & policy indicators developed, outcome indicators selected from UN sources

• Judgemental indicators avoided – focus on measurability and comparability

• Equal weight given to indicators, themes and dimensions of the index – a sum total of efforts

South Asian Report On the Child-friendliness of Governments

Overall index results

• All countries have made important progress in most of the six index themes

• India scores best on establishing an enabling legal and policy framework, followed closely by Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka

• Maldives, Bhutan and Sri Lanka score best on provision of child-related outcomes

• Overall, Sri Lanka has the highest score in the child-friendliness index

South Asian Report On the Child-friendliness of Governments

Composite index

South Asian Report On the Child-friendliness of Governments

Key regional progress and challenges

1. Basic enabling framework of laws, policies and institutions established – GMIs, participation and non-state actors

2. Remarkable progress in education and health , though less in child protection – mortality, enrolment, child marriage & birth registr.

3. Increased interaction and synergies with civil society

1. Implementation mechanisms often lack power to create change – coordination/authority, legal enforceability, funding, child-friendliness

2. A strong enabling framework not as good as expected at ensuring good education, health and protection outcomes – malnutrition, quality of education, child marriage & birth registr.

South Asian Report On the Child-friendliness of Governments

Conclusion and lessons learnt• Post-launch follow-up

– Results in Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Norway and other countries

• Follow-up study necessary

• Lessons learnt

– Strong project leadership important– Objective, factual approach = good reception of report

– Focus on achievements = cooperation to realise children’s rights – Space and opportunities for dialogue with politicians, bureaucrats

and other key actors

South Asian Report On the Child-friendliness of Governments