EU <http://www.crin.org/resources/infoDetail.asp?ID=12673&flag=news> Fundamental Rights Agency a step forward for children's rights Date: 02/03/2007 Organisation: European Children's <http://www.crin.org/Organisations/vieworg.asp?id=3434> Network (EURONET) Resource type: News release
The European Children's Network (EURONET), which brings together children's rights organisations from across Europe, welcomes the establishment on 1st March of a new EU Agency for Fundamental Rights. "The new Fundamental Rights Agency is a sign the EU is starting to take seriously its role in protecting and promoting fundamental rights, including children's rights" said Simone Ek, President of EURONET. "Many areas of EU activity affect children, whether it is combating child trafficking, promoting child-friendly employment policies or protecting children as consumers. Children's organisations are optimistic the new Agency will help ensure the EU's policies actively promote child rights as laid out in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child - which all EU Member States have ratified" she continued. The Agency comes in time to support the development of a new EU strategy on the rights of the child which was announced in 2006. "EURONET urges the Agency to play an active role in the forthcoming child rights strategy. It should put particular emphasis on children's rights in its work programme including by collecting information on children's rights in Europe" highlighted Mieke Schuurman, Secretary-General of the network. EURONET also welcomes the commitment to close cooperation with the Council of Europe and civil society organisations. "The Agency must draw on the expertise of children's NGOs by including them in the Fundamental Rights Platform. Building links with the new European Forum on the Rights of the Child will also ensure real momentum for children's rights at EU level, to help bring tangible improvements for children across Europe and beyond" finished Ms. Schuurman. More information: The creation of a Fundamental Rights Agency is a basic element of <http://ec.europa.eu/justice_home/fsj/rights/fsj_rights_agency_en.htm> the EU policy to respect and promote fundamental rights Organisation Contact Details: European Children's Network (EURONET) c/o International Save the Children Alliance Rue Montoyer 39 B-1000 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 512 4500 /7851 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website: www.crin.org/euronet/ Last updated 02/03/2007 08:38:19 Copyright C 2007 CRIN ---------------------------- Vali "Noble blood is an accident of fortune; noble actions are the chief mark of greatness." (Carlo Goldoni) "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace." (Jimi Hendrix)
