Various members of the international community realize that, due to changing environmental and social conditions, children around the world are facing both well-established and disturbing new forms of vulnerability and exploitation.  In particular, the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) underscores the extent to which children need international assistance in defining their legal status and protecting their health and well-being.  More recently, the passing of the CRC’s Optional Protocols dealing with (1) child sale, prostitution and pornography and (2) child involvement in armed conflict (May 25, 2000) by the UN (and the very recent signing of them by the U.S.) have demonstrated the international community’s commitment to protecting children globally.  In addition to the involvement of numerous state actors in this process, hundreds of NGO’s have become involved within the past ten years.  These organizations range from those focused on increasing international labor standards for children, to those focusing specifically on eliminating the use of child soldiers worldwide.  They use political actions ranging from pressuring governments to legislate against child abuses to designing programs for the children themselves. The concept of ‘children at risk’ has arisen in the context of this discourse of vulnerabilities, insecurity, and rights that has taken shape within the global community. 

     In our February workshop, GECHS at UCI brought together representatives from NGOs, academia, government, and members of the public to consider vital questions and engage in a much-needed discussion to the effectiveness of transnational advocacy networks in assessing children at risk due to environmental and other factors.

 United Nations General Assembly Declares

    On 10 November 1998, the General Assembly proclaimed 2001-2010 the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World (resolution 53/25). The Assembly invited NGOs, religious bodies and groups, educational institutions, artists and the media to support the Decade for the benefit of every child of the world. Member States were invited to ensure that the practice of peace and non-violence was taught at all levels in their societies, including in educational institutions.