United Nations Development Programme Jamaica

Child poverty is an increasingly urgent developmental issue with potentially dire social and economic implications for the process of social and economic advancement of many states, particularly developing countries. In 2007, the rate of poverty among Jamaican children ages 0 to 17 years was 12.0 per cent (JSLC 2007), with incidences of poverty most prevalent among children living in the rural areas. Jamaica is one of over 40 countries in 7 regions that will examine gaps and opportunities in national poverty reduction strategies as part of the The Global Study on Child Poverty and Disparities was launched by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in September 2007 to strengthen the profile of children at the national policy table. The study aims to influence the economic and social policies that affect resource allocations, and hopes to make children a priority in national programmes through addressing: 1. the poverty of families raising children and 2. the health, education and protection needs of children living in poor, vulnerable households, unsafe circumstances and/or disadvantaged communities. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty has been observed since 1993, under different themes. In recognition of the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child the 2009 observance of the day this year focuses on the plight of children and families living in poverty and the need to fulfill children's rights in partnership with them and in keeping with the Convention. The day is being observed on Monday October 19, 2009. UNICEF and UNDP are collaborating to put on an event to launch the study on Child Poverty and Disparities in Jamaica and mark International Day for the Eradication of Poverty under the theme 'Children Speak out Against Poverty'. So as to involve young people in a meaningful way UNICEF and UNDP decided to have young people plan the event. A Youth Planning Committee comprised of five youths from different agencies (Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network (JYAN), National Secondary Students Council (NSSC), National Center for Youth Development (NCYD), Youth Parliament), one UNICEF representative, one UNDP representatives, one representative from NCYD and one representative from the Ministry of Education was formed to organize and implement the event. The event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday October 21, 2009 at 4:00 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel Grand Ballroom Suite immediately following the Caribbean Child Research Conference.