Report of the Regional Meeting to Celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child

South Asia Initiative To End Violence Against Children

SAIEVAC

REPORT OF THE REGIONAL MEETING TO CELEBRATE THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD

DECEMBER 17-18, 2012

DE L'ANNAPURNA, KATHMANDU, NEPAL

Hosted jointly by the SAIEVAC Regional Secretariat

In collaboration with UNFPA and UNICEF

Co-hosted by the Government of Nepal

Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare

Permission is required to reproduce any part of this publication. Please contact:

South Asia Initiative to End Violence against Children,

Regional Secretariat

GPO 5850, House No. 122

Sujan Marg, Lazimpat – 2

Kathmandu, Nepal

+977 – 1 – 4420278

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

3. OPENING REMARKS

4. INTRODUCTION AND RELEASE OF THE AFPPD REGIONAL ADVOCACY KIT

5. INAUGURAL ADDRESS

6. VOTE OF THANKS

7. COUNTRY PRESENTATIONS

a. Afghanistan

b. Bangladesh

c. Bhutan

d. India

e. Maldives

f. Nepal

g. Pakistan

h. Sri Lanka

8. INTRODUCTION TO DRAFT REGIONAL PLAN OF ACTION (RPA)

9. REGIONAL COMMITMENTS

10. GROUP DISCUSSIONS ON DRAFT REGIONAL PLAN OF ACTION

11. CLOSING REMARKS

12. VOTE OF THANKS

13. ANNEX

a. DRAFT REGIONAL ACTION PLAN

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Organized by the SAIEVAC Regional Secretariat (South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children) in collaboration with UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia, and UNFPA APRO, the meeting was attended by Dr. Rinchen Chophel, Director General, SAIEVAC; His Excellency Wasil Noor Muhmand, Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs & Disabled (MOLSMD) of Afghanistan and Chairperson of the SAIEVAC Governing Board; Ms. Nobuko Horibe, Regional Director of UNFPA APRO; Ms. Karin Hulshof, Regional Director of UNICEF ROSA; His Excellency Ahmed Saleem, Secretary General, SAARC; and Mr. Upendra Adhikari, SAIEVAC Governing Board Member, the Government of Nepal.

The meeting commemorated the International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC). National action plans for empowerment of girl child with focus on actions against child marriage, and identified regional priorities, to draft a regional action plan were presented amid the meeting.

On November 17, 2011, the Third Committee of the General Assembly agreed to celebrate October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child to be observed annually from 2012. In the resolution, the General Assembly invited all Member States, relevant organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations as well as civil society to observe the International Day of the Girl Child and to raise awareness of the situation of girls around the world.

The meeting targeted to come up with a draft regional action plan to stop child marriage in the SAARC Region as the marriages under the age of 18 is not decreasing though under-15 marriage has decreased. Child marriage is a violation of children's rights and a manifestation of gender inequality. The meeting showcased trends related to child marriages and the challenges of curbing the evil trend.

2. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

WELCOME REMARKS BY DR. RINCHEN CHOPHEL, DIRECTOR GENERAL, SAIEVAC

The welcome address, by Dr. Rinchen Chophel, warmly welcomed everyone involved in materializing the formation of SAIEVAC and acknowledged the goodwill advisor from Pakistan. He highlighted the SAIEVAC movements and added that SAIEVAC is honored to play a lead role in South Asia to put together the commitments in United Nations and SAARC.

He concluded his address by expressing gratitude for the support and commitment from SAARC and al the partners involved in this noble cause for abolishing early marriage for the girl child.

3. OPENING REMARKS

H. E. WASIL NOOR MUHMAND, and The opening address by H E Wasil Noor Muhmand, Deputy Minister MOSLMD, Afghanistan and Chairperson SAIEVAC Governing Board

The Chairperson of the SAIEVAC Governing Board welcomed all the participants of the workshop, focused on early marriage as the crime against humanity. As the Chairperson, he thanked the governing board members, SAARC and its extended bodies, human rights conventions and other pertinent stakeholders to achieve good results in the region to end child marriages and SAIEVAC's role in doing so.

He also added that decreasing poverty, increasing employment, ending trafficking, and children awareness program plays a vital role to end early marriages. He put forward a few recommendations to end child marriage.

Pay serious attention to decrease poverty and unemployment and illiteracy

Develop and implement national law and plan of action in the region.

Develop awareness in cooperative program in the region.

Implementation of HR convention and SAARC conventions in the region.

Implement SAIEVAC work plan.

End trafficking and kidnapping of children in the region.

MS. NOBUKO HORIBE, REGIONAL DIRECTOR, UNFPA APRO

The Regional Director of UNFPA APRO stated that SAARC has advocated for the empowerment of girl child and abolishment of early child marriage. Across the region, it exposes them to exploitation and pregnancy complications. Given the population, about one half of girls are affected by the negative consequences of child marriage that happens in South Asia. Despite the shift of late marriage, major percentages of girls get married before 16. The difficulties associated are unofficial and unregistered.

She added that child marriage has negative impacts, especially on children who are poor. The poor girls are most likely to get married early. Girls with no education are prone to get married three times earlier than one with education and they have no say for time of marriage and the choice of spouses. It has health implications as well. Reports show that child marriage has remained same over the decade in some countries. If the current trend continues, it will be more problematic for the young girls. UNFPA promotes to mobilize girls, boys, parents and leaders to end discrimination and create civic opportunities for girls. An UNFPA unit will work with girls who are already married by providing them other supports. The outcome of this consultation is important and UNFPA is committed, with government and civil society, that they get the recommendation for the reason they are here. She urged the participants for their vital advocacy as they are the link between every girl children and policies that shape lives. As the child marriage addresses and touches all the Millennium Development Goals, she hoped that this will bring consensus for UNFPA to work together in this region to end child marriage.

MS KARIN HULSHOF, REGIONAL DIRECTOR, UNICEF ROSA

The Regional Director of UNICEF ROSA pointed out that child marriage is particularly relevant in South Asia and a topic very high on UNICEF agenda. It is not only as the illustration of gender equality but it is one of the more persistent issues in health, participation and protection. Child marriage is common and exists in the region and the rate is still too high despite attempts to minimize it. The efforts should be scaled up to make a difference for better humanity and also ensure that the voice of the boys and girls are also taken into account as agents of change for creating a conducive environment to gain full potential. It is violation of human rights and deprives the childhood and violates the fundamental right of non-discrimination. She pointed out some efforts that can be made to end this crime against humanity:

1.Force legislation that increases the minimum legal marriage at 18 in all SAARC regions. This needs to be accompanied by awareness and enforcement.

2.Include equal access to education and ensure gender gaps are limited. Empowering them to make choices about life and build better lives for themselves and community.

3.Mobilize girls and boys, parents and leaders to change discriminatory gender norms and provide opportunities for girls. This is a critical component.

4.Support girls who are already married by providing them school, livelihood skill, and health support.

5.Address the root causes of Child marriages.

MR. UPENDRA ADHIKARI, SAIEVAC GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER, GOVERNMENT OF NEPAL

Mr. Adhikari also highlighted the country's status in abolishing child marriages. He stated that educating girls is one of the best ways to abolish child marriage. The progress on this arena has been encouraging with 92 percent enrolment of girls at primary level education in Nepal. Government of Nepal is working to provide access to basic education and in the areas of school sector reform programs. Despite all this childhood marriage is still prevalent due to social, economic and cultural reasons.

4. INTRODUCTION AND RELEASE OF THE AFPPD REGIONAL ADVOCACY KIT

Mr. Ramon San Pascaul, ED, AFPPD, brought forward the AFPPD Regional Advocacy Kit and Policy Briefs on Child Marriage. The Kit was jointly inaugurated by the SAARC Secretary General and Dignitaries. Mr. Pascual facilitated the advocacy Kit release for South Asian countries.

Two years ago, it was agreed to end child marriage with main parliamentarian committee across the Asia Pacific region through the main standing. Pursuant to bringing forth quality actions to tackle child marriage, the committee agreed to come out with the kit. The main standing committee reviewed and analyzed the draft of this kit and policy in Colombo. It targets to revisit the issue, revisit the loss and contribute to elimination to such harmful practices to protect our women and children and eliminate the harmful effects of child marriage. AFPPD is tackling issues of how to end child marriage through law and policy. Mr. Pascual described the policy, situation and what are the actions that can be undertaken and to be considered by policy makers which directs towards revisiting and changing certain policy even if that is there but not working. The first copy of the kit was handed over to HE Mr. Ahmed Saleem, Secretary General, SAARC.

5. INAUGURAL ADDRESS

INAUGURAL ADDRESS BY THE CHIEF GUEST, MR, AHMED SALEEM, SECRETARY GENERAL, SAARC

In the Inaugural Address, the Chief Guest thanked UNICEF and UNFPA for supporting this initiative to end Child Marriage and that participating in this event is a testimony to the important work that SAIEVAC is doing. He extended his warm greetings to every girl; child in Asia and beyond and commended SAIEVAC for this meeting e extended his warm greetings to every girl; child in Asia and beyond and commended SAIEVAC for this meeting to develop a Regional Action Plan to end Child Marriage.

In his statement, the Chief Guest mentioned that approximately 38 percent of South Asia's population is younger than 18 years and this 'youth bulge' presents a unique opportunity in the region but it also poses a number of challenges for them. One such challenge is Child Marriage which undermines the well being of girls resulting in early pregnancy and life-threatening risks. This calls for response in South Asia and the social disadvantages faced by girl children.

Investing in girls is a catalyst in changing the world and all efforts need to be made to reduce the gap between girls and boys. Ever since its inception, SAARC has prioritized the issues of children and has placed a number of mechanisms related to their development. The SAARC Social Charter signed on January 2004 advocates special privileges and services to be provided to the children and their mothers. It also extends the coverage of this charter to children in conflict with law, orphaned, displaced and abandoned children as well as children affected by armed conflict. Combating trafficking and prostitution are important elements and vital requisites and achievements of the Millennium Development Goals and SAARC Development Goals.

SAARC has begun implementation of regional projects for child rights, such as one on maternal and child health. This year SAARC will initiate dedicated regional toll-free Help lines for Women and Children for victims and survivors of human trafficking.

Since celebrating SAARC Decade for Girl Child (1991-2000), SAARC countries have made special efforts in this arena. As a result, girl enrolment in primary school has enhanced. Education for girls is one of the best strategies for protecting girls against child marriage.

He wished the meeting all the success.

6. VOTE OF THANKS

MS. KIRAN BHATIA, REGIONAL ADVISOR, GENDER, UNFPA APRO

Vote of Thanks at the end of the inaugural session by Ms. Bhatia pointed about the identical synergy from all the speakers and stressed that there is a commitment to respond to end child marriage. She thanked H. E. Secretary General of SAARC, H. E. Wasil Nur Muhmand and respective individuals for their contribution and also thanked the host country Nepal for hosting this conference and as host country of SAIEVAC. She thanked all the governing board and members of the SAIEVAC team for their contributions. She thanked UNICEF and UNFPA for their technical assistance and resources. AFPPD an important partner was thanked for the kit release. She thanked ICRW and other international agencies used to push the agenda of ending the girl child marriage.

7. COUNTRY PRESENTATIONS

AFGHANISTAN:

Ms. Huma Safi, Representative from civil society of Afghanistan (Women for Women)

The situation of early marriage is a bit different compared to other SAARC countries as it started afresh from 2002. Since 2004, Afghanistan has made important progress for different issues. Afghanistan, after 10 years of struggle, has 10 million still living in poverty. Literacy rate is only 25 percent and only 55 percent of children of primary school age 7-12 attend school. About 32 percent of secondary school age children attend school. The secondary school net attendance ratio for girls is two times lower than that of boys. Child labor is rampant in Afghanistan, with 25 percent of children aged 5-14 participating in labor activities.

Laws and Regulations

EVAW (Ending Violence against Women) law enacted in August 2009 that criminalizes child marriage, forced marriage and selling of girls is pending to be passed by both houses.

Counter Abduction Human Trafficking Law July 2008.

Law on Juvenile Rehabilitation and correction Center 2009

Shelter Regulation Sep 2011

Policies and Programs

Government of Afghanistan ratified the CRC in 1994.

Convention on CEDAW (Convention on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women) was signed in 1980 but ratified in 2003.

NAPWA (National Action Plan for Women in Afghanistan) 2007-2017

National strategy for children at risk 2006

National child labor policy

(CPAN) Child protection Action Network

National plan of SAIEVAC June 2011

UNFPA , UNICEF , UNDP , UN Women and UNAMA established a task – force on early and child marriage and developed concept note that include analysis of the situation and plan of action

Challenges: Insecurity, traditional and cultural barriers, misunderstanding and misinterpretation of religious guidance, enforcement of laws, influencing through power and resource lords.

Future plans: Continuation of educational campaigns, implementation of EVAW Law, campaigns on stopping child marriage. The Ministry of Justice is working on Child Act. Campaigns on registration of marriages, approval of family law and making marriage registration mandatory, implementation of national plan of SAIEVAC, development of the fund for children at risk, establishment of more centers for Children at risk. There are 32 categories of children at risk in Afghanistan.

Major concerns raised by the participants revolved on the statistics of girls who have been married below the age of 18, Afghanistan government collaborating with NGOs to end early child marriages; main barriers for education in Afghanistan, use of contraception by women, legal treatment against violation of child marriages and enforcement of legislations.

BANGLADESH:

Tahmina Begum, Governing Board Member, SAIEVAC &Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Bangladesh Presentation on Girl Child Marriage.

Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries of the world. Among these, 13.8 millions are girls. The legal age of marriage in Bangladesh is 18 for girls and 21 for boys. Large proportion of marriage takes place before the legal age of marriage. Child and forced marriage of girls are still a big problem especially among the lower income group living in rural and difficult to access areas. Causes of child marriage are poverty, lack of education, lack of awareness, culture of acceptance and silence.

A considerable population is yet illiterate. People do not know the consequences of early child marriage. The religions misconception for the fear of sexual harassment of girl child is still at large. Consequences of girl child marriage result in maternal death, death for dowry, polygamy. Articles discussed in the legal framework of Bangladesh were presented. Similarly steps taken to prevent girl child marriage and way forward too to further strengthen it were discussed.

The participants raised the questions of law enforcement, action taken by the government, and the Islamic law.

BHUTAN:

Chhoeki Penjor, Officiating Chief Program Officer, Children’s Division, National Commission for women &children

The Bhutanese presentation focused on Mapping and Assessment of Child Protection System in Bhutan-which started in 2011 with support from UNICEF. It is multi-faceted, under two broad areas of justice and social work. The cross-sector approach was adopted at three levels. Some 15 issues were identified and child marriage was one of the harmful cultural practices. By law marriage before 18 is illegal and early marriage is cultural and common in Bhutan. Contributions were extensive from all the partners during this mapping process. Inclusiveness was considered.

The points that the participants considered were the difference between the girls and boys in marriage, penalty in law, forced and self marriage, compulsory education, child labor, and traditional practices that support early marriage.