Children from South Asia say: “Join us to end violence!”

From November 10 to 14 2010, Government officials from across South Asia came together for the first Governing Board Meeting of The South Asian Initiative to End Violence Against Children (SAIEVAC), in order to discuss actions to end violence against children and legal reform. Children themselves were able to speak out and contribute to solutions, make recommendations to duty bearers and be involved in the decision-making processes. The meeting reviewed current national legislation in South Asia and their scope and limitations, and included technical sessions focusing on a range of legal reform issues. Participating countries also prepared action plans to ensure corporal punishment is banned in all settings as this is an area where the legal framework is not appropriately protecting children. The Governments in South Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) endorsed a 5 year Workplan developed in coordination with children and various international agencies. This workplan is a framework for the development of effective and comprehensive child protection systems, and addresses key issues for the region including child labour, sexual abuse and exploitation, trafficking, corporal punishment, and early marriage. The legal reform intends to bring national legislation into compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and with other international and SAARC (South Asian Association For Regional Co-operation ) regional instruments.