COUNTRY:HAITI Building back better together with young people On 12 January 2010,the central region of Haiti was cultural preservation,education and food and water devastated by the strongest earthquake the country security.It prioritizes the needs of pregnant women as had experienced in more than 200 years.Over 220.000 well as children's education and health. people were killed,300,000 were injured and 1.6 million were displaced and forced to seek shelter in A particularly notable aspect of the rebuilding process spontaneous settlements.Children,who make up so far has been the significant role played by young nearly half the country's total population,have suf- people.Youth groups were critical as responders in fered acutely in the earthquake's aftermath.UNICEF search and rescue,first aid and essential goods trans- estimates that half of those displaced are children,and port immediately following the earthquake.Since then. 500,000 children are considered extremely vulnerable they have been important community-based helpers. and require child protection services imparting health information and building infrastructure. Stanley carries his 2-year-old The Ecoclubes group.with chapters in the Dominican cousin,Marie Love,near Almost a quarter(23 per cent)of Haiti's population is Republic and Haiti,has been using Pan American their family's makeshift between the ages of 10 and 19,and their situation was Health Organization/World Health Organization materi- tent shelter in the Piste extremely difficult even before the earthquake.As the als to provide information on malaria prevention to low- Aviation neighbourhood poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere.Haiti lagged literacy communities.The Water and Youth Movement of Port-au-Prince,Haiti. well behind the rest of Latin America and the Caribbean initiated a campaign to raise $65,000 to train and equip in many indicators,and even behind other least devel- six poor communities with water pumps. oped countries throughout the world.For example.net “A notable secondary school attendance in 2005-2009 stood at In addition,UNICEF,Plan Intemational and their part- aspect of just 20 per cent(18 per cent for boys and 21 per cent ners facilitated the voices of 1,000 children in the Post for girls),compared to around 70 per cent for the region Disaster Needs Assessment(PDNA)process.Child- the rebuilding as a whole and roughly 28 per cent for the world's least friendly focus group discussions were held throughout process so far developed countries.Adolescent marriage and preg- nine of the country's departments.Adolescents and nancy rates are substantially higher than in other coun- youth who took part raised issues of gender,disability. has been the tries in the region.Among 20-to 24-year-old women vulnerability,access to services,disaster risk reduction, significant role surveyed in 2005-2006,nearly one third had married and participation in decision-making and accountability by age 18 and 48 per cent by age 20:30 per cent gave mechanisms for the PDNA. played by young birth for the first time before the age of 20. people." Through partnerships that include young people. These poor education,health and protection outcomes programmes have been initiated to vaccinate children. are a direct result of lack of access to services and facilitate their return to school,raise awareness of basic necessities such as water and food due to pov- HIV and AIDS,encourage holistic community develop- erty.political instability.violence and gender-based ment and promote sanitation.However.these and discrimination.Natural disasters have been a recurring future efforts will require continued financial and challenge.but the recent earthquake destroyed infra- moral commitment to overcome the host of challenges structure and lives on an unprecedented scale. still to be tackled.One of these is meeting the press- ing needs of the most disadvantaged,such as those The Government has developed an Action Plan for who lost limbs in the earthquake National Recovery and Development of Haiti,with the goal of addressing both short-term and long-term Going forward,it will be critical to listen and respond needs.Working with international partners,who to the voices of Haiti's young people of all ages.in order pledged US$5.3 billion in the first 18 months following to meet their needs,enable them to make the transition the earthquake and nearly $10 billion over the next to adulthood in such turbulent times-regardless of three years,the Government is committed to rebuilding their poverty status,urban or rural location,gender or the country to be better than its pre-earthquake state. ability-and rebuild a stronger,more equitable Haiti. The plan focuses on all aspects of redevelopment, from physical infrastructure and institution-building to See References,page 78. THE EMERGING GENERATION 5
the emerging generation 5 On 12 January 2010, the central region of Haiti was devastated by the strongest earthquake the country had experienced in more than 200 years. Over 220,000 people were killed, 300,000 were injured and 1.6 million were displaced and forced to seek shelter in spontaneous settlements. Children, who make up nearly half the country’s total population, have suffered acutely in the earthquake’s aftermath. UNICEF estimates that half of those displaced are children, and 500,000 children are considered extremely vulnerable and require child protection services. Almost a quarter (23 per cent) of Haiti’s population is between the ages of 10 and 19, and their situation was extremely difficult even before the earthquake. As the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti lagged well behind the rest of Latin America and the Caribbean in many indicators, and even behind other least developed countries throughout the world. For example, net secondary school attendance in 2005–2009 stood at just 20 per cent (18 per cent for boys and 21 per cent for girls), compared to around 70 per cent for the region as a whole and roughly 28 per cent for the world’s least developed countries. Adolescent marriage and pregnancy rates are substantially higher than in other countries in the region. Among 20- to 24-year-old women surveyed in 2005–2006, nearly one third had married by age 18 and 48 per cent by age 20; 30 per cent gave birth for the first time before the age of 20. These poor education, health and protection outcomes are a direct result of lack of access to services and basic necessities such as water and food due to poverty, political instability, violence and gender-based discrimination. Natural disasters have been a recurring challenge, but the recent earthquake destroyed infrastructure and lives on an unprecedented scale. The Government has developed an Action Plan for National Recovery and Development of Haiti, with the goal of addressing both short-term and long-term needs. Working with international partners, who pledged US$5.3 billion in the first 18 months following the earthquake and nearly $10 billion over the next three years, the Government is committed to rebuilding the country to be better than its pre-earthquake state. The plan focuses on all aspects of redevelopment, from physical infrastructure and institution-building to cultural preservation, education and food and water security. It prioritizes the needs of pregnant women as well as children’s education and health. A particularly notable aspect of the rebuilding process so far has been the significant role played by young people. Youth groups were critical as responders in search and rescue, first aid and essential goods transport immediately following the earthquake. Since then, they have been important community-based helpers, imparting health information and building infrastructure. The Ecoclubes group, with chapters in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, has been using Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization materials to provide information on malaria prevention to lowliteracy communities. The Water and Youth Movement initiated a campaign to raise $65,000 to train and equip six poor communities with water pumps. In addition, UNICEF, Plan International and their partners facilitated the voices of 1,000 children in the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) process. Childfriendly focus group discussions were held throughout nine of the country’s departments. Adolescents and youth who took part raised issues of gender, disability, vulnerability, access to services, disaster risk reduction, and participation in decision-making and accountability mechanisms for the PDNA. Through partnerships that include young people, programmes have been initiated to vaccinate children, facilitate their return to school, raise awareness of HIV and AIDS, encourage holistic community development and promote sanitation. However, these and future efforts will require continued financial and moral commitment to overcome the host of challenges still to be tackled. One of these is meeting the pressing needs of the most disadvantaged, such as those who lost limbs in the earthquake. Going forward, it will be critical to listen and respond to the voices of Haiti’s young people of all ages, in order to meet their needs, enable them to make the transition to adulthood in such turbulent times – regardless of their poverty status, urban or rural location, gender or ability – and rebuild a stronger, more equitable Haiti. See References, page 78. COUNTRY: Haiti Building back better together with young people Stanley carries his 2-year-old cousin, Marie Love, near their family’s makeshift tent shelter in the Piste Aviation neighbourhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. “A notable aspect of the rebuilding process so far has been the significant role played by young people
FOCUS ON Early and late adolescence Rim Un Jong,10,sits in a with the full support of nurturing adults at home,at school and in the com- munity.Given the social taboos often surrounding puberty.it is particularly fourth-grade mathematics class important to give early adolescents all the information they need to protect at Jongpyong Primary School themselves against HIV,other sexually transmitted infections.early preg- in the eastern province of nancy.sexual violence and exploitation.For too many children,such knowl- South Hamgyong,Democratic edge becomes available too late,if at all,when the course of their lives has People's Republic of Korea. already been affected and their development and well-being undermined. Late adolescence(15-19 years) Late adolescence encompasses the latter part of the teenage years,broadly between the ages of 15 and 19.The major physical changes have usually occurred by now,although the body is still developing.The brain contin- ues to develop and reorganize itself,and the capacity for analytical and reflective thought is greatly enhanced.Peer-group opinions still tend to be The manifest gulf in experience that separates younger and older adoles- important at the outset,but their hold diminishes as adolescents gain more cents makes it useful to consider this second decade of life as two parts: clarity and confidence in their own identity and opinions. early adolescence(10-14 years)and late adolescence(15-19 years). Risk-taking-a common feature of early to middle adolescence,as individu- Early adolescence(10-14 years) als experiment with 'adult behaviour'-declines during late adolescence,as the ability to evaluate risk and make conscious decisions develops.Never- Early adolescence might be broadly considered to stretch between the ages theless,cigarette smoking and experimentation with drugs and alcohol are of 10 and 14.It is at this stage that physical changes generally commence. often embraced in the earlier risk-taking phase and then carried through into usually beginning with a growth spurt and soon followed by the develop- later adolescence and beyond into adulthood.For example.it is estimated ment of the sex organs and secondary sexual characteristics.These external that 1 in 5 adolescents aged 13-15 smokes,and around half of those who changes are often very obvious and can be a source of anxiety as well begin smoking in adolescence continue to do so for at least 15 years.The as excitement or pride for the individual whose body is undergoing flip side of the explosive brain development that occurs during adolescence the transformation is that it can be seriously and permanently impaired by the excessive use of drugs and alcohol The intemal changes in the individual,although less evident,are equally profound.Recent neuroscientific research indicates that in these early Girls in late adolescence tend to be at greater risk than boys of negative adolescent years the brain undergoes a spectacular burst of electrical and health outcomes.including depression,and these risks are often magnified physiological development.The number of brain cells can almost double in by gender-based discrimination and abuse.Girls are particularly prone to the course of a year,while neural networks are radically reorganized,with a eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia;this vulnerability derives in consequent impact on emotional,physical and mental ability. part from profound anxieties over body image that are fuelled by cultural and media stereotypes of feminine beauty. The more advanced physical and sexual development of girls-who enter puberty on average 12-18 months earlier than boys-is mirrored by similar These risks notwithstanding.late adolescence is a time of opportunity. trends in brain development The frontal lobe,the part of the brain that idealism and promise.It is in these years that adolescents make their way govers reasoning and decision-making.starts to develop during early into the world of work or further education,settle on their own identity and adolescence.Because this development starts later and takes longer in world view and start to engage actively in shaping the world around them. boys,their tendency to act impulsively and to be uncritical in their thinking lasts longer than in girls.This phenomenon contributes to the widespread See References,page 78. perception that girls mature much earlier than boys. It is during early adolescence that girls and boys become more keenly aware of their gender than they were as younger children,and they may make adjustments to their behaviour or appearance in order to fit in with perceived norms.They may fall victim to,or participate in,bullying.and they may also feel confused about their own personal and sexual identity. Early adolescence should be a time when children have a safe and clear space to come to terms with this cognitive,emotional,sexual and psycho- logical transformation-unencumbered by engagement in adult roles and 6 THE STATE OF THE WORLD'S CHILDREN 2011
6 THE STATE OF THE WORLD’S CHILDREN 2011 Early and late adolescence FOCUS ON The manifest gulf in experience that separates younger and older adolescents makes it useful to consider this second decade of life as two parts: early adolescence (10–14 years) and late adolescence (15–19 years). Early adolescence (10–14 years) Early adolescence might be broadly considered to stretch between the ages of 10 and 14. It is at this stage that physical changes generally commence, usually beginning with a growth spurt and soon followed by the development of the sex organs and secondary sexual characteristics. These external changes are often very obvious and can be a source of anxiety as well as excitement or pride for the individual whose body is undergoing the transformation. The internal changes in the individual, although less evident, are equally profound. Recent neuroscientific research indicates that in these early adolescent years the brain undergoes a spectacular burst of electrical and physiological development. The number of brain cells can almost double in the course of a year, while neural networks are radically reorganized, with a consequent impact on emotional, physical and mental ability. The more advanced physical and sexual development of girls – who enter puberty on average 12–18 months earlier than boys – is mirrored by similar trends in brain development. The frontal lobe, the part of the brain that governs reasoning and decision-making, starts to develop during early adolescence. Because this development starts later and takes longer in boys, their tendency to act impulsively and to be uncritical in their thinking lasts longer than in girls. This phenomenon contributes to the widespread perception that girls mature much earlier than boys. It is during early adolescence that girls and boys become more keenly aware of their gender than they were as younger children, and they may make adjustments to their behaviour or appearance in order to fit in with perceived norms. They may fall victim to, or participate in, bullying, and they may also feel confused about their own personal and sexual identity. Early adolescence should be a time when children have a safe and clear space to come to terms with this cognitive, emotional, sexual and psychological transformation – unencumbered by engagement in adult roles and with the full support of nurturing adults at home, at school and in the community. Given the social taboos often surrounding puberty, it is particularly important to give early adolescents all the information they need to protect themselves against HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, early pregnancy, sexual violence and exploitation. For too many children, such knowledge becomes available too late, if at all, when the course of their lives has already been affected and their development and well-being undermined. Late adolescence (15–19 years) Late adolescence encompasses the latter part of the teenage years, broadly between the ages of 15 and 19. The major physical changes have usually occurred by now, although the body is still developing. The brain continues to develop and reorganize itself, and the capacity for analytical and reflective thought is greatly enhanced. Peer-group opinions still tend to be important at the outset, but their hold diminishes as adolescents gain more clarity and confidence in their own identity and opinions. Risk-taking – a common feature of early to middle adolescence, as individuals experiment with ‘adult behaviour’ – declines during late adolescence, as the ability to evaluate risk and make conscious decisions develops. Nevertheless, cigarette smoking and experimentation with drugs and alcohol are often embraced in the earlier risk-taking phase and then carried through into later adolescence and beyond into adulthood. For example, it is estimated that 1 in 5 adolescents aged 13–15 smokes, and around half of those who begin smoking in adolescence continue to do so for at least 15 years. The flip side of the explosive brain development that occurs during adolescence is that it can be seriously and permanently impaired by the excessive use of drugs and alcohol. Girls in late adolescence tend to be at greater risk than boys of negative health outcomes, including depression, and these risks are often magnified by gender-based discrimination and abuse. Girls are particularly prone to eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia; this vulnerability derives in part from profound anxieties over body image that are fuelled by cultural and media stereotypes of feminine beauty. These risks notwithstanding, late adolescence is a time of opportunity, idealism and promise. It is in these years that adolescents make their way into the world of work or further education, settle on their own identity and world view and start to engage actively in shaping the world around them. See References, page 78. Rim Un Jong, 10, sits in a fourth-grade mathematics class at Jongpyong Primary School in the eastern province of South Hamgyong, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
generation'of adults,the 'future generation'or simply the development,addressing inequity in adolescence is equally future'.But adolescents are also firmly part of the present- important and challenging. living,working,contributing to households,communities, societies and economies. It is in this phase of life,the second decade,that inequi- ties often appear most glaringly.Disadvantage prevents the No less than young children do they deserve protection poorest and most marginalized adolescents from furthering and care,essential commodities and services,opportuni- their education with secondary schooling,and it exposes ties and support,as well as recognition them,girls in particular,to such protec- of their existence and worth.Indeed, tion abuses as child marriage,early sex, in some contexts-particularly with “Children should not violence and domestic labour -thus regard to child protection risks such curtailing their potential to reach their as child marriage,commercial sexual feel afraid or in danger full capacity. exploitation and children in conflict at home or in school." with the law -adolescents,out of all If denied their rights to quality educa- children,may have the greatest needs. Victor,11,Mexico tion,health care,protection and par- Yet these are precisely the areas where ticipation,adolescents are very likely investment and assistance for children to remain or become impoverished, are often most lacking and where the least attention is paid, excluded and disempowered-increasing,in turn,the risk in some cases as a result of political,cultural and societal that their children will also be denied their rights. sensitivities.Given the strong link between protection, education and child survival,it is clear that investing in For these reasons,and in support of the second International adolescents,and particularly adolescent girls,is imperative Year of Youth,which began on 12 August 2010,UNICEF to addressing violence,abuse and exploitation of children has dedicated the 2011 edition of its flagship report and women in earnest. The State of the World's Children to adolescents and adolescence. These facts point to an undeniable truth:Both now and in the coming decades,the fight against poverty,inequality and The report begins with a brief discussion of the concept gender discrimination will be incomplete,and its effective- of adolescence and explains why a stronger focus on the ness compromised,without a stronger focus on adolescent second decade of life is imperative to meeting international development and participation. commitments to children and creating a more peaceful, tolerant and equitable world.It then explores the historical This truth is known and accepted by many.In the push to context of adolescence,underscoring the growing interna- meet the Millennium Development Goals and other aspects tional recognition of its relative social importance. of the Millennium Declaration,however,there is a risk that the needs of adolescents are not being given sufficient The second chapter presents an in-depth appraisal of the consideration.And their voices,though heard,are rarely global state of adolescents,exploring where they live and the heeded. particular challenges they face in survival and health,educa- tion,protection and equality. Adolescents have long demanded that we keep the promise made in the 2000 Millennium Declaration to create a world The third chapter assesses the risks to their present and of tolerance,security,peace and equity-a world fit for chil- future well-being posed by emerging trends in economics dren,adolescents,young people-indeed for all of us. and employment,by climate change,demographic shifts, juvenile crime and violence,and threats to peace and In recent months,UNICEF has begun to refocus its work security. towards achieving the Goals by redoubling its efforts in pursuit of equity for children,giving priority to those In its final chapter,The State of the World's Children most disadvantaged within countries and communities. 2011 explores ways of empowering adolescents and While much of the initial drive of the refocus has centred young people,preparing them for adulthood and citizen- on promoting greater equity in young child survival and ship and investing in their well-being,holistic develop- THE EMERGING GENERATION 7
the emerging generation 7 generation’ of adults, the ‘future generation’ or simply ‘the future’. But adolescents are also firmly part of the present – living, working, contributing to households, communities, societies and economies. No less than young children do they deserve protection and care, essential commodities and services, opportunities and support, as well as recognition of their existence and worth. Indeed, in some contexts – particularly with regard to child protection risks such as child marriage, commercial sexual exploitation and children in conflict with the law – adolescents, out of all children, may have the greatest needs. Yet these are precisely the areas where investment and assistance for children are often most lacking and where the least attention is paid, in some cases as a result of political, cultural and societal sensitivities. Given the strong link between protection, education and child survival, it is clear that investing in adolescents, and particularly adolescent girls, is imperative to addressing violence, abuse and exploitation of children and women in earnest. These facts point to an undeniable truth: Both now and in the coming decades, the fight against poverty, inequality and gender discrimination will be incomplete, and its effectiveness compromised, without a stronger focus on adolescent development and participation. This truth is known and accepted by many. In the push to meet the Millennium Development Goals and other aspects of the Millennium Declaration, however, there is a risk that the needs of adolescents are not being given sufficient consideration. And their voices, though heard, are rarely heeded. Adolescents have long demanded that we keep the promise made in the 2000 Millennium Declaration to create a world of tolerance, security, peace and equity – a world fit for children, adolescents, young people – indeed for all of us. In recent months, UNICEF has begun to refocus its work towards achieving the Goals by redoubling its efforts in pursuit of equity for children, giving priority to those most disadvantaged within countries and communities. While much of the initial drive of the refocus has centred on promoting greater equity in young child survival and development, addressing inequity in adolescence is equally important and challenging. It is in this phase of life, the second decade, that inequities often appear most glaringly. Disadvantage prevents the poorest and most marginalized adolescents from furthering their education with secondary schooling, and it exposes them, girls in particular, to such protection abuses as child marriage, early sex, violence and domestic labour – thus curtailing their potential to reach their full capacity. If denied their rights to quality education, health care, protection and participation, adolescents are very likely to remain or become impoverished, excluded and disempowered – increasing, in turn, the risk that their children will also be denied their rights. For these reasons, and in support of the second International Year of Youth, which began on 12 August 2010, UNICEF has dedicated the 2011 edition of its flagship report The State of the World’s Children to adolescents and adolescence. The report begins with a brief discussion of the concept of adolescence and explains why a stronger focus on the second decade of life is imperative to meeting international commitments to children and creating a more peaceful, tolerant and equitable world. It then explores the historical context of adolescence, underscoring the growing international recognition of its relative social importance. The second chapter presents an in-depth appraisal of the global state of adolescents, exploring where they live and the particular challenges they face in survival and health, education, protection and equality. The third chapter assesses the risks to their present and future well-being posed by emerging trends in economics and employment, by climate change, demographic shifts, juvenile crime and violence, and threats to peace and security. In its final chapter, The State of the World’s Children 2011 explores ways of empowering adolescents and young people, preparing them for adulthood and citizenship and investing in their well-being, holistic develop- “Children should not feel afraid or in danger at home or in school.” Victor, 11, Mexico
ment and active participation.Disaggregated data from alcohol consumption.A related idea is that of the 'age of international household surveys,supplemented where majority':the legal age at which an individual is recog- appropriate by national sources,provide a rich vein of nized by a nation as an adult and is expected to meet all hitherto little-used information on adolescents -mostly responsibilities attendant upon that status.Below the age those in late adolescence(15-19 years)-that constitutes of majority,an individual is still considered a'minor'.In a central feature of the report.The voices of adolescents many countries,the age of majority is 18,which has the offering their own perspectives on the state of their world virtue of being consonant with the upper threshold of the permeate the entire report. age range for children under Article 1 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The complexities of defining adolescence In other countries,this threshold varies widely.One of the Adolescence is difficult to define in precise terms,for sev- lowest national ages of majority is applied to girls in Iran, eral reasons.First,it is widely acknowledged that each indi- who reach this threashold at just 9 years old,compared vidual experiences this period differently depending on her with 15 for Iranian boys.15 For those countries with ages or his physical,emotional and cognitive maturation as well of majority below 18,the Committee on the Rights of the as other contingencies.Reference to the onset of puberty, Child,the monitoring body for the Convention,encourages which might be seen as a clear line of demarcation between States parties to review this threshold and to increase the childhood and adolescence,cannot resolve the difficulty of level of protection for all children under 18. definition. The age of majority is not,however,the only complicat- Puberty occurs at significantly different points for girls ing factor in defining adolescence with regard to different and boys,as well as for different individuals of the same national jurisdictions,as it often bears no relation to the sex.Girls begin puberty on average 12-18 months earlier than boys;the median age of girls'first period is 12 years, while boys'first ejaculation generally occurs around age 13.Girls,however,can experience the menarche as early as 8 years old.Evidence shows,moreover,that puberty is beginning earlier than ever before-the age of puberty for both girls and boys has declined by fully three years over the past two centuries,largely due to higher standards of health and nutrition.3 This means that girls in particular,but also some boys, are reaching puberty and experiencing some of the key physiological and psychological changes associated with adolescence before they are considered adolescents by the United Nations (defined as individuals 10-19 years old). By the same token,it is not uncommon for boys to enter puberty at the age of 14 or even 15,by which point they will have been effectively treated as adolescents within a school year group for at least two years,associating with boys and girls who are much bigger physically and more developed sexually.14 The second factor that complicates any definition of adolescence is the wide variation in national laws setting minimum age thresholds for participation in activities Adolescence is a pivotal decade in an individual's life that requires special attention and considered the preserve of adults,including voting,mar- protection.A 12-year-old girl collects water.Since a tap was installed at the doorstep of riage,military participation,property ownership and her family's house,she says that she has more time to do her homework,Pakistan. THE STATE OF THE WORLD'S CHILDREN 2011
8 THE STATE OF THE WORLD’S CHILDREN 2011 ment and active participation. Disaggregated data from international household surveys, supplemented where appropriate by national sources, provide a rich vein of hitherto little-used information on adolescents – mostly those in late adolescence (15–19 years) – that constitutes a central feature of the report. The voices of adolescents offering their own perspectives on the state of their world permeate the entire report. The complexities of defining adolescence Adolescence is difficult to define in precise terms, for several reasons. First, it is widely acknowledged that each individual experiences this period differently depending on her or his physical, emotional and cognitive maturation as well as other contingencies. Reference to the onset of puberty, which might be seen as a clear line of demarcation between childhood and adolescence, cannot resolve the difficulty of definition. Puberty occurs at significantly different points for girls and boys, as well as for different individuals of the same sex. Girls begin puberty on average 12–18 months earlier than boys; the median age of girls’ first period is 12 years, while boys’ first ejaculation generally occurs around age 13. Girls, however, can experience the menarche as early as 8 years old. Evidence shows, moreover, that puberty is beginning earlier than ever before – the age of puberty for both girls and boys has declined by fully three years over the past two centuries, largely due to higher standards of health and nutrition.13 This means that girls in particular, but also some boys, are reaching puberty and experiencing some of the key physiological and psychological changes associated with adolescence before they are considered adolescents by the United Nations (defined as individuals 10–19 years old). By the same token, it is not uncommon for boys to enter puberty at the age of 14 or even 15, by which point they will have been effectively treated as adolescents within a school year group for at least two years, associating with boys and girls who are much bigger physically and more developed sexually.14 The second factor that complicates any definition of adolescence is the wide variation in national laws setting minimum age thresholds for participation in activities considered the preserve of adults, including voting, marriage, military participation, property ownership and alcohol consumption. A related idea is that of the ‘age of majority’: the legal age at which an individual is recognized by a nation as an adult and is expected to meet all responsibilities attendant upon that status. Below the age of majority, an individual is still considered a ‘minor’. In many countries, the age of majority is 18, which has the virtue of being consonant with the upper threshold of the age range for children under Article 1 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In other countries, this threshold varies widely. One of the lowest national ages of majority is applied to girls in Iran, who reach this threashold at just 9 years old, compared with 15 for Iranian boys.15 For those countries with ages of majority below 18, the Committee on the Rights of the Child, the monitoring body for the Convention, encourages States parties to review this threshold and to increase the level of protection for all children under 18. The age of majority is not, however, the only complicating factor in defining adolescence with regard to different national jurisdictions, as it often bears no relation to the Adolescence is a pivotal decade in an individual’s life that requires special attention and protection. A 12-year-old girl collects water. Since a tap was installed at the doorstep of her family’s house, she says that she has more time to do her homework, Pakistan
PERSPECTIVE Adult responsibility: Listen to adolescents'voices In the 20 years since the Convention on the Rights of Adolescents do not consider themselves as'future the Child entered into force,the global community has adults';they want to be taken seriously now.Article 13 pledged to safeguard children's rights in education. of the Convention stipulates that children are free to health,participation and protection.These rights entail express their ideas and opinions,through any channel moral and legal obligations.Governments the world of their choice.Exercising this right not only cultivates over are held accountable through the Committee on self-confidence but also helps prepare them for the the Rights of the Child for the welfare of their children. active role of citizen. Considerable progress has been made across the world Equally important,education encourages children to by Her Royal Highness in reducing mortality,improving access to basic health communicate and make their voices heard.Parents. Princess Mathilde of care and ensuring schooling for children during their friends and family members play an essential part in first decade of life.These accomplishments have paved stimulating adolescents'educational arowth.as leam- Belgium,Honorary Chair the way for promising strides in adolescence.We have ing extends beyond the classroom.A parent's role as of UNICEF Belgium and seen increased secondary school enrolment,albeit from mentor should not be underestimated:it deserves more UNICEF and UNAIDS a low base;a decline in early marriage and female gen- support and appreciation. Special Representative ital mutilation/cutting:and an increase in knowledge for Children and AlDS of HIV transmission.Thanks to global and local efforts I am heartened to hear young peoples'responses to to raise awareness,encourage dialogue and build UNICEF Belgium's What Do You Think?project.This policy.adolescents are better protected from abuse and effort sheds light on marginalized children:those who exploitation.Still,for millions of adolescents,daily life are disabled.live in institutions and hospitals,and remains a struggle. suffer from poverty.I discovered during my visits with "Adolescents these children that their stories are not,as one might A happy upbringing-with opportunities to learn,play expect.expressions of despair.On the contrary.many do not consider and feel safe-is still a distant prospect for many. articulate extraordinary hope for the future and eager- themselves as Instead,millions of teenagers face hazardous employ- ness to participate in the shaping of their world. ment,early pregnancy and participation in armed 'future adults'; conflict.Burdened with adult roles and deprived of their Listening to adolescents is the only way we will they want to be rights as children,adolescents are exposed to protec- understand what they expect from us.This is a critical tion abuses.Denying this age group their childhood time in a person's growth.Let us pay close attention taken seriously heightens their risk of exploitation in labour,social to the particular needs and concerns of adolescents. now." isolation associated with early marriage.and mortality Let us create opportunities for them to participate in or morbidity for adolescent girls from pregnancy-and society.Let us allow them freedom and opportunity to childbirth-related complications.The enormous chal- mature into healthy adults.As the 2015 deadline for lenge of protecting adolescents at this vital time in the Millennium Development Goals draws near,every their lives should not be underestimated-and adults effort must be made to ensure the equal well-being of have a crucial part to play in meeting it. children worldwide.Their hopes and dreams are still very much alive.It is up to us to enable adolescents Adolescents currently make up 18 per cent of the to reach their full potential.Let us work together with world's population,but they receive far less attention them to make life a positive adventure. on the world stage than their numbers merit.Parents, family members and local communities bear a respon- Her Royal Highness Princess Mathilde of Belgium is sibility to promote and protect adolescent development. especially committed to children affected by and living Implementing laws and pursuing concrete objectives with HIV In her roles as Honorary Chair of UNICEF such as the Millennium Development Goals are impor- Belgium and UNICEF and UNAIDS Special Representative tant ways of building momentum towards investment for Children and AlDS.HRH Princess Mathilde has in adolescents.But if we really want these initiatives to undertaken field trips to Africa and Asia to promote the be effective,we must invite young people to be part of well-being of vulnerable people and generate awareness the solution and ensure their voices are heard. of children's rights. THE EMERGING GENERATION 9
the emerging generation 9 PERSPECTIVE In the 20 years since the Convention on the Rights of the Child entered into force, the global community has pledged to safeguard children’s rights in education, health, participation and protection. These rights entail moral and legal obligations. Governments the world over are held accountable through the Committee on the Rights of the Child for the welfare of their children. Considerable progress has been made across the world in reducing mortality, improving access to basic health care and ensuring schooling for children during their first decade of life. These accomplishments have paved the way for promising strides in adolescence. We have seen increased secondary school enrolment, albeit from a low base; a decline in early marriage and female genital mutilation/cutting; and an increase in knowledge of HIV transmission. Thanks to global and local efforts to raise awareness, encourage dialogue and build policy, adolescents are better protected from abuse and exploitation. Still, for millions of adolescents, daily life remains a struggle. A happy upbringing – with opportunities to learn, play and feel safe – is still a distant prospect for many. Instead, millions of teenagers face hazardous employment, early pregnancy and participation in armed conflict. Burdened with adult roles and deprived of their rights as children, adolescents are exposed to protection abuses. Denying this age group their childhood heightens their risk of exploitation in labour, social isolation associated with early marriage, and mortality or morbidity for adolescent girls from pregnancy- and childbirth-related complications. The enormous challenge of protecting adolescents at this vital time in their lives should not be underestimated – and adults have a crucial part to play in meeting it. Adolescents currently make up 18 per cent of the world’s population, but they receive far less attention on the world stage than their numbers merit. Parents, family members and local communities bear a responsibility to promote and protect adolescent development. Implementing laws and pursuing concrete objectives such as the Millennium Development Goals are important ways of building momentum towards investment in adolescents. But if we really want these initiatives to be effective, we must invite young people to be part of the solution and ensure their voices are heard. Adolescents do not consider themselves as ‘future adults’; they want to be taken seriously now. Article 13 of the Convention stipulates that children are free to express their ideas and opinions, through any channel of their choice. Exercising this right not only cultivates self-confidence but also helps prepare them for the active role of citizen. Equally important, education encourages children to communicate and make their voices heard. Parents, friends and family members play an essential part in stimulating adolescents’ educational growth, as learning extends beyond the classroom. A parent’s role as mentor should not be underestimated; it deserves more support and appreciation. I am heartened to hear young peoples’ responses to UNICEF Belgium’s What Do You Think? project. This effort sheds light on marginalized children: those who are disabled, live in institutions and hospitals, and suffer from poverty. I discovered during my visits with these children that their stories are not, as one might expect, expressions of despair. On the contrary, many articulate extraordinary hope for the future and eagerness to participate in the shaping of their world. Listening to adolescents is the only way we will understand what they expect from us. This is a critical time in a person’s growth. Let us pay close attention to the particular needs and concerns of adolescents. Let us create opportunities for them to participate in society. Let us allow them freedom and opportunity to mature into healthy adults. As the 2015 deadline for the Millennium Development Goals draws near, every effort must be made to ensure the equal well-being of children worldwide. Their hopes and dreams are still very much alive. It is up to us to enable adolescents to reach their full potential. Let us work together with them to make life a positive adventure. Her Royal Highness Princess Mathilde of Belgium is especially committed to children affected by and living with HIV. In her roles as Honorary Chair of UNICEF Belgium and UNICEF and UNAIDS Special Representative for Children and AIDS, HRH Princess Mathilde has undertaken field trips to Africa and Asia to promote the well-being of vulnerable people and generate awareness of children’s rights. Adult responsibility: Listen to adolescents’ voices by Her Royal Highness Princess Mathilde of Belgium, Honorary Chair of UNICEF Belgium and UNICEF and UNAIDS Special Representative for Children and AIDS “Adolescents do not consider themselves as ‘future adults’; they want to be taken seriously now