Children of Prisoners
Geneva
In 2011, QUNO’s work will focus on preparations for the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child’s Day of General Discussion. The CRC holds at most one Day of General Discussion each year, often on a topic it feels deserves greater attention. 2011 will focus on children of prisoners, and will be the first time that any UN body has looked in detail at the children of prisoners.
Although millions of children worldwide have a parent in prison (father or mother), there are no international standards on how countries should act to protect their rights and welfare. As a result, practice around the world varies considerably. Some countries allow a child to join their mother in prison during breastfeeding or for longer. Many more children remain outside, often facing stigma and struggling to maintain adequate contact with the imprisoned parent.
The day of general discussion is an opportunity for experts, practitioners, civil society and children to come together to talk and to share knowledge. QUNO hopes that the day might result in better understanding of the issue from a child rights perspective and lead to further action at national and international levels.
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