The United Nations Special Session on Children (SSOC) was held 8-10 May 2002 in New York, USA. The SSOC examined the progress made in the movement to improve children's rights since the 1990 World Summit for Children and took those lessons and began planning actions to improve the situation of the world's children throughout the 21st century.
This unprecedented event brought together Heads of State, governments, youth and non-governmental and international organizations from around the world. In addition to the official SSOC meetings held from 8-10 May, youth delegates gathered at the Children's Forum from 5-7 May and non-governmental and international organizations held a series of side events throughout the week. Numerous issues related to children's rights were discussed including health, education, violence and abuse.
Many events were themed around the SSOC sub-agenda of Children in Armed Conflict, including "Taking Charge! Youth Action Planning on Landmines and Small Arms." This workshop, organized by the ICBL, UNICEF and the Quaker UN Office, introduced the issues of small arms and landmines and discussed how to take community-based actions against these weapons. Youth from Colombia, Yugoslavia, Canada, Guyana, United States and Liechtenstein participated in this dynamic event.
Young people had a voice throughout the SSOC. As UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy stated at the conference closing ceremony, "the three-day event marked the first General Assembly session where children were not only seen but also heard." Three youth issued remarks to the UN Security Council and other youth presented statements to the UN General Assembly. Youth participated in workshops, panel discussions and other events alongside their adult colleagues throughout the week. In addition, many youth participated in the Children's Forum, a youth-only conference where young people were able to learn more about and discuss the issues affecting their lives, in addition to planning future actions and creating a global youth network!
At the end of the conference the UN adopted the final outcome document, titled "A World Fit for Children." The document reaffirms government commitment to making the world a better place for young people. But it is not just governments who must take up this call to action and make the world better for youth- it's up to youth to take action to improve children's rights at home and around the world!
For more information about the SSOC, including film footage, daily updates and the final outcome document please visit http://www.unicef.org/specialsession. For more information about ICBL participation please contact youth@icbl.org
