AEGiS-IRIN: AFRICA: Children severely affected by AIDS, war and poverty

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

AFRICA: Children severely affected by AIDS, war and poverty

Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 9, 2004

[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Poverty, war and HIV/AIDS are hampering the health and security of children worldwide, according to a new report released on Thursday by the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).

In 'The State of the World's Children 2005', UNICEF said failure by governments to live up to promises in the 1989 Convention on the Rights of Children, caused "permanent damage" to children "and in turn blocks progress toward human rights and economic advancement".

UNICEF executive director Carol Bellamy said: "The implications of conflict and ... HIV/AIDS have an enormous impact on children being able to actually enjoy a childhood where they are able to grow up in relative health, peace and security."

While acknowledging that gains had been made for children over the last decade, Bellamy stressed that more could have been done.

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