Development of the Global Consultations Project
Posted by IPAcommunications on October 19, 2010
Request for a General Comment on article 31
In May 2008, IPA wrote to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child requesting that a General Comment be developed on article 31 of the UN Convention.
General Comments are official statements adopted by the UN Committee to increase state accountability with regard to an identified issue. They elaborate on the meaning of an aspect of the Convention where ‘states parties’ are seen to be falling short in compliance.
International Support
IPA’s request to the UN was supported by the following international organizations:
- International Pediatrics Association
- World Organization for Early Childhood Educ. (OMEP)
- World Leisure Association
- International Toy Library Association
- Right to Play International
- European Child Friendly Cities Network
- International Council on Children’s Play
Worldwide Consultations
While this request is under consideration IPA has initiated a series of Global Consultations on Children’s Right to Play.
The purposes of the project are:
- to mobilize a worldwide network of article 31 advocates
The regional consultations will build article 31 advocacy bases – or strengthen existing ones. - to harness expertise in raising awareness of the importance of play in the lives of children
The preparation for the event is an opportunity to involve a broader range of supporters, as described in the range of participants list. - to gather specific material which can help inform a General Comment
The program will facilitate discussion on the ‘state of play’ in the respective regions – the strengths and challenges in each community – and to gather as much information as possible on cases where children’s play opportunities have been denied or restricted. - to formulate practical recommendations for governments with regard to compliance.
Regional groups will discuss practical strategies to facilitate greater compliance with article 31 and how annual progress can be measured.
Consultation Participants
Eight regions are engaged in this initial project. These will be held in Johannesburg, Nairobi, Beirut, Mumbai, Bangkok, Tokyo, Mexico City and Sofia. Details of these Consultations will be posted on this site as we receive them, and a calendar prepared to provide an overview of the whole project.
The project is based on partnerships between IPA and national/regional organizations and groups which will contribute practical assistance at the local site.
Potential Spin-off Events
There are organizations and groups around the world who have expressed interest in participating in this “Children’s Right to Play” campaign. As a result, IPA is considering a satellite phase where IPA and other related groups can use the Consultation Kit to host their own event.
