text: Boardinformed ofprogress. However, itwasfeltthatdrafting theconvention was primarily ataskforGovernments andotherbodies(seepara.256belowand chap.VI,decision 1986/21). 114.Withregardtoassistance forchildren inarmedconflicts, somedelegations feltthatUNICEFshouldassistchildren onallsidesofconflicts, sincefor 40years,thestrictapplication ofthatprinciple hadgivenUNICEFitscredibility asaneutral, non-political andhumanitarian organization. Othersbelieved that theaidshould begivenonlywiththeclearly expressed approval ofthe Government. Itwassugqested that"soldier kids"-children pressed intomilitary service -beproperly rehabilitated inspecial schools forthatpurpose. 115.ItwasnotedthatUNICEFcouldbringrelieftochildren trapped inarmed conflicts byapplying theconcept ofchildren asa"zoneofpeace"insuchtroubled areas. Itwasessential forUNICEFtocontinue suchefforts becauseitwasthe onlyagencythathadtherespect ofandaccesstoallcombatants. 116.Somedelegates feltthatthesituation ofexploited orabusedchildren could beimproved onlythrough closeco-operation withtheindividual Governments. with regardtorefugee children andchildren inarmedconflicts, UNICEFshould work closely withotherresponsible agencies, suchasICRC,UNHCRandWHO. 117.TheBoardwasreminded thattheworkofUNICEFwithregardtostreetchildren wasaconsequence ofactivities undertaken duringtheInternational Yearofthe .Child,inwhichUNICEFservedasleadagency. 118.Several Boardmembers suggested thatapolicyreviewofchildren inespecially difficult circumstances should beanannualfeature ofBoarddiscussions. 119.Itwassuggested thatthedocuments shouldhave reflect~d thehereditary aspects ofchildbattering andalcoholism. Itwasfurther suggested thatgreater stressshould beplaced ontherehabilitation ofchildren aftertheirremoval from "difficult circumstances". 120.Itwasfeltthattheproblem ofstreetchildren couldnotbesolved by removing themfromtheir env~ronment. Therefore, UNICEF andNGOswereimplementing projects inwhichchildren remained intheirownenvironment, wheretheywere accepted andgivenresponsibilities vis-A-vis otherchildren, younger orweaker thanthey,whichgavemeaning totheirliveswhileallowing themto.retain self-respect. -18- 121.UNICEFshouldoperate asaco-ordinating centrewithintheUnitedNations systemforinformation concerning children. UNICEFcouldhelpfurther by supporting thecreation of"corridors ofpeace"inElSalvador, Lebanon and Uganda. Such"corridors" wereestablished originally withinregular UNICEF immunization, watersupplyandmedical supplyprogrammes. 122.SomeBoardmembers suggested thatitwasnecessary todealwiththeeducation ofthefamily, tomakeprovision fortheparticipation ofruralandurban communities, toextendcommunity development andurbanplanning programmes andto improve information. 123.Itwasfeltthatmoreemphasis shouldbeplaced onthetraining ofpersonnel. Therewasalsoaneedtoincrease co-operation among parti~ipants, inparticular public andprivate institutions, NGOs,andgovernmental andinternational organizations, aspartoftheadditional measures whichwouldleadto self-sufficiency (seepara.103aboveandchap.VI,decision 1986/12). -19- Ill.QUESTIONS CONSIDERED BYTHEPROGRAMME COMMITTEE 124.TheProgramme Committee reviewed atotalof65programme proposals, including regional andinterregional proposals, ascontained inthesummary of1986programme submissions andestimates offuture programme expenditures (E/ICEF/1986/P/L.l). Expanded UNICEFactivities inAfrica 125.Asmentioned inparagraphs 5and107above,itwasagreedthatUNICEF's expanded activities inAfrica wouldbediscussed intheProgramme Committee. :Interventions madeduringthegeneral debatearealsoincluded here. 126.Whileendorsing theExecutive Director's April1986emergency appealfor $102million for16drought-affected countries inAfrica, theBoardrequested that suchappeals inthefutureshould besubmitted totheBoardfordiscussion and review. Itwasagreedthatthedrought-stricken countries ofAfrica wouldcontinue toneedthehelpoftheinternational community astheystruggled tocopewith natural disasters, political unrest, thedepopulation ofruralareasandthe serious effects oftheworldeconomic crisis. 127.Manydelegations expressed support fortheefforts thatwentbeyondemergency relieftoimprove foodproduction, basichealthservices andwate,rsupply and sanitation inAfrica's drought areas. Africans mustbehelpedtohelpthemselves ­ especially intheareasofPHC,foodproduction andwatersystems -with'"African
analysis: The text primarily focuses on the humanitarian efforts of UNICEF in providing aid to children in armed conflicts, refugee children, and street children. It also discusses the organization's activities in Africa, including emergency relief and long-term development programs. The text highlights the need for cooperation among governments, NGOs, and international organizations to address these issues.