text: UNITED NATIONS Economic and Social Council Distr. GENERAL E/CN.A/Sub.2/1990/NGO/7 3 August 1990 ENGLISH Original: FRENCH COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS Sub-Coiranission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities Forty-second session Item 17 (a) of the provisional agenda PROMOTION, PROTECTION AND RESTORATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AT NATIONAL, REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVEL PREVENTION OF DISCRIMINATION AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN: HUMAN RIGHTS AND YOUTH Writtep Statement subipitted by the International Federation Terre des Hommes, a non-governmental organization in consultative status (Category II) The Secretary-General has received the following communication which is circulated in accordance with Economic and Social Council resolution 1296 (XLIV). [11 July 1990] GE.90-17026/7555A E/CN.4/Sub.2/1990/NGO/7 page 2 STREET CHILDREN 1. The International Federation Terre des Honmies (FITDH) is deeply concerned about the question of street children. The total number of such children in the world is variously estimated to be between 10 and 100 million, depending on the source of information. 1/ This substantial variation may be explained by the fact that the figures probably cover different age groups and that some include only children genuinely living in the street, while others include the large number of children who have kept contact with their families but, for example, work in the street. 2. While estimates may vary, there is complete agreement on one point, that the total number of children is constantly increasing and may well soon double unless preventive measures are taken or supported quickly. Street children are a purely urban phenomenon, due to population growth in the big cities in both the industrialized and the developing covintries. There are, for example, several thousands of street children in New York. In Africa, it is estimated that by the year 2000 about half of the population will be living in 
analysis: The text appears to focus on the issue of street children and the need for preventive measures to address the growing number of children living on the streets. The text does not mention specific economic or industrial concerns, but rather highlights the social and humanitarian aspects of the issue. The text also touches on the demographic and urbanization trends that contribute to the problem.