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Research into Achievements and Barriers to CRC Monitoring and

Alternative Reporting in Asia

REGIONAL REPORT

2

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements

This research was commissioned by Plan Asia Regional Office (ARO) and was carried out

under the guidance and supervision of Raša Sekulović, Plan Asia Regional Adviser, Child

Rights and Protection and coordination support extended by Shashike Gamage, Plan Civil

Society Regional Programme Coordinator.

The author wishes to thank Plan staff and civil society representatives from Bangladesh,

Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-

Leste and Vietnam for responding to the questionnaires and sharing relevant information and

recommendations. Their contributions were invaluable inputs to this report. Their names

and agency affiliations are on page 39.

The advice and insights of Anne-Sophie Lois, Plan's Representative to the United Nations on

the initial findings were most helpful and much appreciated.

Hope Esquilo Tura Researcher/Consultant

March 2013

Supervision and project management: Raša Sekulovic

Project coordination: Shashike Gamage

Lead researcher/consultant: Hope Esquilo Tura

Plan Asia Regional Office

14th Floor, 253 Asoke Building Sukhumvit 21,

Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, THAILAND

[email protected] www.plan-international.org

3 Research into Achievements and Barriers to CRC Monitoring and Alternative Reporting in Asia

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................................... 1

Acronyms and Abbreviations .......................................................................................................... 4

Executive Summary ......................................................................................................................... 5

1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 7

1.1. Plan's increasing focus on CRC monitoring and alternative reporting .................................. 8

1.2. Purpose and Objectives .......................................................................................................... 8

1.3. Methodology and Limitations ................................................................................................ 8

2. Regional Context .................................................................................................................... 9

3. CRC Monitoring and Reporting ........................................................................................... 12

4. Research Findings ................................................................................................................ 13

4.1. CRC Alternative Reporting in 11 Asian Countries .............................................................. 13

4.2. CRC Alternative Reporting Process and Methods ............................................................... 15

4.3. Good Practices and Enablers in CRC Monitoring and Alternative Reporting ..................... 16

4.4. Key Barriers and Challenges in CRC Monitoring and Alternative Reporting .................... 25

5. Conclusions and Recommendations..................................................................................... 29

References ...................................................................................................................................... 33

Annex 1. Methodology for the Research ....................................................................................... 36

Annex 2. Plan's Support for CRC Monitoring and Alternative Reporting .................................... 38

Annex 3. List of Informants ........................................................................................................... 39

Annex 4. Process and Methods Used by CSOs in Developing Alternative Reports ..................... 41

Annex 5. Questionnaires ............................................................................................................... 42

5.1. Questionnaire for Civil Society Representative ...................................................................... 42

5.2. Questionnaire for Plan Country Office Focal Person ............................................................. 44

Figures and Table

Figure 1. Plan in the Asia Region .................................................................................................... 7

Figure 2. Reporting Process of the Committee on the Rights of the Child .................................... 12

Table 1. CRC Alternative Reporting of CSO coalitions/NGOs that Plan Liaise with .................. 14

4 Acronyms and Abbreviations

Acronyms and Abbreviations

ARO Plan Asia Regional Office

BSAF Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum

CCCD Child-Centred Community Development

CYPMCR Children and Young People's Movement for Child Rights

Committee Committee on the Rights of the Child

CRAN Child Rights Advocacy Network

CRC Convention on the Rights of the Child

CRM Child Rights Movement

CRWG Child Rights Working Group

CSOs Civil Society Organisations

CZOPP Children as Zones of Peace and Child Protection

IACR India Alliance for Child Rights

Indochildright Indonesia National NGO Coalition for Child Rights Monitoring

INGO International Non-Governmental Organisations

MJF Manusher Jonno Foundation

NACRO National Alliance of Child Rights Organisations

NCYD National Council for Child and Youth Development

NGOs Non-Governmental Organisations

NGOCRC NGO Coalition on the Rights of the Child

NGO Coalition Philippine NGO Coalition on the United Nations Convention on the

Rights of the Child

SPARC Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child

UN United Nations

UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund


Executive Summary

As an international child-centred development organisation, it is of paramount importnace

that Plan works with national child focused civil society coalitions in monitoring the

compliance of State parties with the mandate and provisions of the Convention on the Rights

of the Child (CRC). In line with its commitment to extend support to these important

undertakings, Plan has been strengthening its internal capacities as well as those of its partner

civil society organisations (CSOs). The study, "Analysis and research into achievements and

barriers to CRC monitoring and alternative periodic reporting in Asia" is one of Plan's key

initiatives in this area.

Commissioned by Plan ARO, the study sought to come up with comprehensive findings on

the status of alternative reporting by CSO coalitions with which Plan has been liaising with in

11 countries in Asia. The main purpose is to use the findings in formulating

recommendations to further improve the effectiveness of alternative reporting and capacities

of CSO coalitions. The findings and recommendations were drawn from the examination of

good practices, enablers, barriers, and stumbling blocks in the practice of CRC monitoring

and alternative reporting in these countries.

The study generated data from primary and secondary data sources. This involved desk

review and online research of alternative reports and relevant documents. Respondents from

national CSO coalitions, NGOs and Plan Country Offices provided information through self-

administered questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The study focused on the latest

CRC reporting period in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the

Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.

The study is presented in two parts: Part 1 is the Regional Report and Part 2 is a compilation

of 11 country reports, which contains country-specific findings and recommendations.

Main Findings

While the focus of the study is alternative reporting of CSO coalitions that Plan is liaising

with, the findings revealed that Plan is also working with two local NGOs (in Bangladesh and

Pakistan) which lead the development of alternative reports in the latest reporting period of

their respective countries. International NGOs (INGOs) at the national level are also part of

the CSO coalitions although they have presence at multiple levels.

The CSO coalitions differ from one another in terms of length of existence and stages of

development. Those from Cambodia, Indonesia and the Philippines have been in existence

since the 1990s following the ratification of the CRC by their respective Governments. The

CSO coalitions in India and Nepal were established in early 2000. Those in Pakistan, Sri

Lanka and Vietnam were established in the last five years. The CSO coalition in Timor-Leste

is the newest having been established in 2011.

In Bangladesh, a number CSOs and networks submitted separate alternative reports in the last

reporting period. The findings suggest there is no single national CSO coalition engaged in

alternative reporting in the country.

6 Executive Summary

While there are numerous CSOs working for children's rights in Thailand, efforts to establish

a CSO coalition to synergise initiatives in CRC reporting are still in progress.

In spite of the many challenges, a number of good practices are evident. These practices

underscore the important role played by CSO coalitions in the latest CRC reporting cycle.

Seven of the nine CSO coalitions and two local NGOs were involved in alternative reporting.

Children's involvement in monitoring and reporting processes ranged from sharing of insights

in consultations to contributing to the establishment of child-led children's rights monitoring

systems. The alternative reports of CSO coalitions in Sri Lanka and Vietnam included

separate reports that present detailed results from children's consultations. Children from

Bangladesh and Cambodia developed separate children's alternative reports that were

submitted to the Committee on the Rights of the Child.

The initiatives of CSO coalitions in Cambodia, Indonesia and the Philippines resulted in

mainstreaming CRC monitoring in the regular activities of the respective coalitions. CSO

coalitions in many countries popularised the Concluding Observations and disseminated them

to different groups and individuals. Child-friendly version of the Concluding Observations

were also developed and disseminated among children. The Concluding Observations was

utilised in stimulating discussions and advocating for needed policies and actions to improve

the situation of children's rights.

The findings noted a number of enabling factors to the good practices found across countries.

The presence of a CSO coalition with clear functions of engaging in CRC monitoring and

alternative reporting facilitated wide and meaningful participation of civil society including

children in these processes. Operating as coalitions fostered good coordination and

maximisation of resources, which equipped CSOs with the capacity for constructive dialogue

with the State and other actors. This also helped to address challenges faced in the lengthy

and rigorous processes entailed in developing alternative reports. The credible standing of

CSO coalitions and Plan contributed in building strategic alliances towards a common

platform to advance children’s rights through these processes. Technical support extended by

Plan Liaison Office and the NGO Group in Geneva was instrumental in helping CSO

coalitions to comply with the operational requirements related to alternative reporting.

The study also noted key stumbling blocks and barriers to CRC monitoring and alternative

reporting across countries. The political environment in the countries impact on the capacity

of CSO coalitions to effectively engage in these processes. The political situation in some

countries was found not conducive to civil society involvement in these processes. Lack of

reliable and disaggregated data on children limits the capacity of CSOs coalitions in

producing a comprehensive analysis and evidence-based policy recommendations. The

delays in submission of Government reports and a general lack of appreciation for CRC

monitoring and alternative reporting compound the situation.

Overall, what is clear is that in the countries involved, the State, CSO coalitions, and external

partners like Plan must focus on three main things: (i) Cultivating a sense of collective

ownership for CRC monitoring and alternative reporting; (ii) Building the technical and

financial capacity of CSO coalitions to carry out CRC monitoring and follow through actions

in between reporting periods. This includes installing systems, tools, and guidelines that will

ensure that alternative reporting is data-based and comprehensive, and; (iii) Introducing child

safeguarding measures and mechanisms to the CRC monitoring and alternative reporting


systems, so to ensure that children can effectively participate and contribute in these

processes.

1. Introduction

CSOs encompass a wide variety of non-state actors engaged in development work. They

include children and youth groups, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community-

based organisations, indigenous peoples' groups, faith-based organisations, academia, trade

unions, coalitions, networks, and other interest groups.

CSOs played a vital role in drafting the CRC and they have been playing an equally crucial

role in ensuring its implementation. Part of this is their invaluable inputs in monitoring and

reporting on its progress. Article 45 (a) of the Convention affirms CSOs as “competent

bodies” to be engaged in these processes. In General Comment No. 5, the Committee on the

Rights of the Child elucidates on the crucial role of CSOs in these processes.1

As an international child-centred development organisation, Plan works in partnership with

CSOs in monitoring and reporting on the commitments and obligations of State parties under

the CRC.2

Plan's vision is a world in

which all children realise

their full potential in

societies that respect

people’s rights and dignities.

Plan’s approach to achieve

its vision is Child-Centred

Community Development

(CCCD), a rights-based

approach which recognises

that poverty is both a cause

and a consequence of non-

fulfilment of rights. An

important feature of CCCD

is the direct involvement of

children, families, and

communities as active and

leading participants in their

own development.

In Asia, Plan is working in 7,000 communities across 14 countries3 to address child poverty

and achieve lasting improvements in the quality of life of children (Figure 1).

1 Committee on the Rights of the Child. General Comment No. 5. CRC/GC/2003/5. Paragraph 59

2 Zuurmond, I. (ed.). Promoting child rights to end poverty: Achieving lasting change through Child-Centred

Community Development. Plan International. 2010 3 Plan Asia Regional Office. Where we work - Plan in Asia

Figure 1. Plan in the Asia Region

8 Introduction

1.1. Plan's increasing focus on CRC monitoring and alternative reporting

Plan's overall engagement in CRC monitoring and alternative reporting has increased in

recent years.4 In partnership with national and international NGOs, Plan provides technical

and financial support to CSO coalitions for their effective involvement in these processes. To

sustain its support, Plan has been strengthening its internal capacities as well as those of its

partner CSOs (see Error! Reference source not found..

1.2. Purpose and Objectives

The main purpose of this research is to come up with comprehensive findings and

recommendations to increase the effectiveness of the alternative CRC reporting process along

with the capacities of CSO coalitions in Asia.5 The study focused on CSO coalitions that Plan

has liaised with in 11 countries in Asia, namely: Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia,

Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. It is part of

establishing a concrete basis for capacity development within Plan as well as its CSO partners

in the respective countries.

To achieve its purpose, the research endeavoured to (i) surface good practices from CSO

representatives and focal persons from Plan Country Offices (ii) identify enabling factors as

well as challenges and barriers in the involvement of civil society including children, in CRC

monitoring and alternative reporting, and (iii) based on all these, provide recommendations

for improvement. It specifically looks at CRC reporting in the last reporting periods in the

countries covered during the time when this research was undertaken.

To assess the role and participation of children and grassroots organisations, the research

examined the activities, methods and tools utilised by CSO coalitions and Plan Country

Offices.

1.3. Methodology and Limitations

The study gathered primary data from representatives of CSO coalitions and Plan Country

Office focal persons through self-administered questionnaires and semi-structured interviews.

It also involved desk review and online research of alternative reports and relevant secondary

sources. Insights and recommendations were also sought from Plan's Representative to the

United Nations, Plan Asia's Regional Adviser for Child Rights and Protection, and the CSO

Programme Coordinator.

Due to limited information from some primary data sources, information gathered on each of

the countries may not be as even or balanced as desired. The analysis and recommendations

were made in consideration of all verifiable data from the respondents and relevant secondary

data sources.

4 Plan Liaison and Advocacy Office, Geneva. Survey Report: Plan’s involvement in monitoring, reporting and

follow up of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. 2009-2010 5 Plan Asia Regional Office. Terms of Reference. Analysis and research into achievements and barriers to CRC

monitoring and alternative periodic reporting in Asia. 2012


2. Regional Context

The Asia region covers a wide geographical area with diverse cultures, economies and

political contexts. It is home to 60 per cent of the global population or approximately 4.2

billion people,6 of which an estimated 1.27 billion are children.

7

Countries in the region have been experiencing significant demographic changes in the past

few decades. Decreasing fertility and mortality rates have caused a decline in population

growth rates. Population trends, however, vary across countries and sub-regions.8 Children

under the age of 15 generally comprise between 15 to 46 per cent of the population in

developing countries.9 The change in the age structure of populations experienced by most of

Asia continues to impact on public investments in basic services and development

interventions for children.

Economic dimension

Economies in Asia have grown rapidly in the past two decades yet millions of people are still

excluded from the gains of this economic growth. Social inequality and poverty are prevalent

in the region with 1.7 billion people living on less than US$2 per day10

and 753.5 million

struggling on less than $1.25 per day.11

Child Poverty: Extent, Consequences, Causes

Approximately 600 million of Asia’s children live in poverty.12

Millions of children are at

risk of disease and death due to lack of access to safe and affordable water supply and proper

sanitation. Some 36 million of primary school age are not in school and a large portion of

them are girls.13

Around 66 million children are working when they should be in school,

while 40 million working-age youth are unemployed.14

Trafficking of children for labour and

commercial sexual exploitation is prevalent. Hundreds of millions of children and youth are

excluded from decisions that affect their lives.15

Millions of children suffer from various forms of violence committed by adults. Harmful

traditional practices such as corporal punishment, honour killing, pre-natal sex selection,

female infanticide, and child marriage are prevalent in some countries. Most victims of child

marriage are girls; half the world’s child brides live in South Asia.

6 UNESCAP. Statistical Yearbook for Asia and the Pacific 2012

7 Plan Asia Regional Office. Growing Up in Asia. Plan's strategic framework for fighting child poverty in Asia

2005-2015. 2005 8 United Nations Statistical Division classified countries in Asia according to the following sub-regions: Central

Asia, Eastern Asia, Southern Asia, South-Eastern Asia and Western Asia. http://unstats.un.org/unsd/methods/m49/m49regin.htm. 2012 9 Population Reference Bureau. 2012 World Population Data Sheet

10 http://www.adb.org/themes/poverty/main

11 Asian Development Bank. Poverty in Asia and the Pacific: An Update. 2011

12 Plan International Asia Regional Office. Promoting children's rights and fighting child poverty. 2011

13 Ibid

14 Ibid

15 Ibid

10 Regional Context

The underlying causes of child poverty are complex. These include pressures of population

growth and economic expansion on scarce natural resources; widening disparities in the

distribution of gains from economic growth; inequities in access to basic services;

discrimination based on gender and the persistence of harmful traditional practices against

specific groups of people including children. The subordinate status and unequal power

relations between children and their families and society combined, with gender inequality,

harmful traditional practices, income disparity and family breakdown make children

vulnerable to violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Inadequate social security nets leave poor families vulnerable to economic downturns and

income shocks. Public investments for children are inadequate and delivery of limited basic

services is often mired by allegations of corruption.

Civil Society in Asia

Asia has a vibrant civil society actively working to advance human rights. CSOs operate at

local, national, regional, and international levels amidst varying political and social settings.

They do so through diverse modalities ranging from awareness-raising on children’s rights,

provision of social services, to developing the capacity of children and other vulnerable

sectors to claim their rights. They also engage in legal and policy reforms, research, and

advocacy to push governments to deliver on their commitments under the CRC and other

pertinent human rights treaties. Over the last two decades, the number of national level CSO

coalitions has grown, indicating greater effort to harmonise actions of CSOs in CRC

monitoring and reporting for greater impact.

Political context

The political environment within which civil society engages in Asian countries is highly

diverse. There are a number of countries with authoritarian regimes and countries with less

developed state institutions. Consequently, these complexities have limited the space for

constructive engagements between civil society and governments on development issues.

Reports from Human Rights Watch in the past two years indicate that many CSOs experience

restrictions on their freedom of expression, exclusion from decision-making processes,

security threats, and violent acts committed by State and non-state actors.

Civil society in Bangladesh and Cambodia face restrictions on their activities with pending

government measures that would give the State wide discretion of controlling the operations

of CSOs in these countries.16 The activities of many CSOs in Pakistan have been affected

due to security threats and violent acts committed by radical non-state actors and some

government entities.17

Nepal, Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste are in the midst of post-conflict transition. CSOs in these

countries face challenges in working for social transformation due to weak governance and

lack of accountability for human rights violations.

16

Human Rights Watch. World Report 2012 17

Ibid.


Reports from Human Rights Watch further indicate that civil society in Vietnam face

challenges in exercising their civil and political rights. This is due to the systematic

suppression of the freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly as well as

persecution of those who call for democratic alternatives to the county's one-party rule by the

Vietnamese Government.18

India has a thriving civil society and free media, yet longstanding abusive practices,

corruption and lack of accountability for perpetrators perpetuate human rights violations.19

Although national human rights institutions have been established in Indonesia, Thailand and

the Philippines, some of them lack political support from their respective governments and

the capacity to effectively monitor the human rights situation in their countries.20

Government policies in many countries are ineffective at protecting and ensuring children’s

rights. In some countries, laws on children are not consistent with the principles and

provisions of the Convention and other human rights treaties. Governments in many

countries have inadequate data systems and lack disaggregated data on children, which are

crucial requirements in effective monitoring of the implementation of the CRC.21

Many

countries, particularly in South Asia,22

have yet to ratify international human rights

instruments. Human rights treaty obligations and recommendations made by treaty bodies

are often not implemented.23

These developments in Asia bear upon the work of civil society in upholding children’s

rights, including the monitoring and reporting of actions taken by governments to fulfil their

obligation under the CRC.

18

Ibid. World Report 2013 19

Ibid. 20

Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights Asia Region 21

UNICEF. International Collaboration for Children's Rights in Asia and the Pacific. Discussion Paper. 2010 22

Deuja, Surya. Establishing a Robust Human Rights Mechanism in South Asia. 2010 23

Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights Asia Region. http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Countries/AsiaRegion/Pages/AsiaPacificProgramme11-12.aspx

12 CRC Monitoring and Reporting

3. CRC Monitoring and Reporting

The implementation of the CRC is monitored through a cyclical system of reporting to the

United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child. Under the system, State Parties, CSOs,

and other concerned sectors are responsible in monitoring and reporting the progressive

realisation of children's rights (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Reporting Process of the Committee on the Rights of the Child

State Parties submit an initial report to the Committee two years after ratification of the CRC

and, thereafter, periodic reports every five years. The State periodic reports discuss the

measures that were adopted to implement children's rights and the difficulties encountered by

the Government in fulfilling their obligations under the Convention.24

CSOs develop their report based on the State Party report and on their own monitoring. The

CSO report contains a section-by-section analysis of the Government report with

corresponding recommendations on how gaps and challenges in CRC implementation can be

best addressed.25

It serves as an independent source of information for validating the periodic

reports from government and provides the Committee a more comprehensive picture of how

the CRC is being implemented in a particular country.26

24

Convention on the Rights of the Child. Article 44 25

NGO Group for the CRC. Guide for Non-Governmental Organisations Reporting to the Committee on the Rights of the Child. 2006 26

http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/crc/workingmethods.htm#a7


The CSO report is referred to by various names in different countries -- alternative report,

NGO report, shadow report, supplementary report, or complementary report. The CSO report

is submitted approximately six months after the State report has been submitted to the

Committee. (Note: This document refers to the CSOs’ report on the CRC as “alternative

report” and the process of developing it as “alternative reporting”.)

The Committee reviews the alternative reports in the Pre-Sessional working group meeting

with CSOs. The output of the discussions is a list of issues for government to respond to in

writing before the Plenary Session.

After the plenary session with government representatives, the Committee adopts the

Concluding Observations. The Concluding Observations contain the main points arising

from the examination of the periodic report and the recommendations to the State Party for

follow up actions addressing identified gaps and for improving the implementation of CRC in

the country. These points comprise the basis for the continuing monitoring of the

implementation of the CRC and evaluating subsequent actions in fulfilling children's rights.

Alternative reporting on the CRC is an opportunity for civil society, including children, to

collectively monitor the implementation of the Convention and hold governments

accountable for children’s right to protection and full development.27

Their engagement in

the process gives CSOs the appropriate position and venue to influence the Committee’s

Concluding Observations so that these respond concretely to the realities of a particular

country.

4. Research Findings

The findings of this research, with the last reporting period of respective countries as the

reference point, are discussed in four subsections: Subsection 4.1 presents an overview of the

status of alternative reporting on the CRC in the 11 countries Plan is liaising with in Asia.

Subsection 4.2 examines the methods used by the national coalitions and other entities in

preparing their alternative reports. Subsection 4.3 discusses good practices and enabling

factors to CRC monitoring and alternative reporting. Subsection 4.4 examines the key

barriers and stumbling blocks to effective monitoring and alternative reporting on the CRC.

4.1. CRC Alternative Reporting in 11 Asian Countries

CSO coalitions in the 11 counties covered – five in South Asia and six in South-East Asia –

vary in terms of length of existence and stages of development. These differences largely

account for the varying extent and nature of their involvement in CRC monitoring and

alternative reporting.

Seven national CSO coalitions and two NGOs that Plan is liaising with in eight of the 11

countries have been involved in CRC periodic reporting. Of these, five national CSO

coalitions and one CSO from six countries developed alternative reports for the first time in

27

Committee on the Rights of the Child. General Comment No. 5. CRC/GC/2003/5. 2003

14 Research Findings

the last reporting period. One coalition and one CSO were involved in two reporting periods,

and one coalition in three reporting periods.

Data gathered suggests that national CSO coalitions that Plan is liaising with in Nepal and

Timor-Leste were not involved in alternative reporting in the last reporting period of their

respective countries (Table 1).

Table 1. CRC Alternative Reporting of CSO coalitions/NGOs that Plan Liaise with

Country National CSO Coalition/NGO Plan liaise with

No. of Reports Submitted

Last Reporting Period Covered28

Bangladesh Manusher Jonno Foundation29 1 Combined 3rd and 4th reporting periods30

Cambodia NGO Coalition on the Rights of the Child

231 Combined 2nd and 3rd reporting periods

1st reporting period

India India Alliance for Child Rights 132 2nd reporting period

Indonesia Indonesia National NGO Coalition for Child Rights Monitoring

133 2nd reporting period

Nepal Coalition for Children as Zones of Peace and Child Protection

None Combined 2nd and 3rd reporting periods

Pakistan Child Rights Movement 1 Combined 3rd and 4th reporting periods

Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child34

2 Combined 3rd and 4th reporting periods35

2nd reporting period

Philippines Philippine NGO Coalition on the Convention on Rights of the Child

3 Combined 3rd and 4th reporting periods36

2nd reporting period

1st reporting period

Sri Lanka Child Rights Advocacy Network 1 Combined 3rd and 4th reporting periods37

Thailand None None 2nd reporting period

Timor-Leste CRC Coalition None 1st reporting period

Vietnam NGO Child Rights Working Group 138 Combined 3rd and 4th

28

http://www.crin.org/NGOGroupforCRC/search.asp 29

Civil society organisation 30

Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF). Bangladesh’s Alternative UNCRC Report 2007 31

NGOCRC-Cambodia. Alternative Report on the Implementation of the UNCRC in Cambodia. 2000-2009 32

Plan India. Tracking CRC Implementation: Plan India’s Engagement in UNCRC Review and Reporting Process: Oct 2008 – Oct 2009 33

Indochildright. Review Report: The Implementation of the CRC in Indonesia 1997-2009 34

Civil society organisation 35

SPARC. Alternative Report on the State of Child Rights in Pakistan by Civil Society of Pakistan, March 2009 36

Philippine NGO Coalition on the UN CRC. Filipino Children at the Margins of Development: The Philippine NGO Coalition Monitoring Report on the Implementation of the Convention of the Rights of the Child 2001-2007 37

CRAN. CSO Involvement in the CRC Reporting Process in Sri Lanka 2009/2010. Sri Lanka.ppt


Country National CSO Coalition/NGO Plan liaise with

No. of Reports Submitted

Last Reporting Period Covered28

reporting periods

The CSO coalitions in Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Philippines have been in existence since

the 1990s following the ratification of the CRC by their respective Governments. The

Philippine NGO Coalition on the Convention on the Rights of the Child is the oldest having

been established in 1990. The CSO coalitions in India and Nepal were established in early

2000 while those in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam were established in the

last five years. The CRC Coalition in Timor-Leste, which was established in 2011, is the

newest.

While there are numerous CSOs working for children's rights in Thailand, efforts to establish

a civil society coalition to synergise initiatives in CRC reporting are still in progress.

In Bangladesh, numerous CSOs and networks submitted separate alternative reports in the

last reporting period. However, the findings suggest there is no single national CSO coalition

engaged in alternative reporting in that country.

The alternative reports submitted by CSO coalitions and CSOs covered the reporting periods

as that of the State Party periodic reports. State periodic reports are to be submitted to the

Committee every five years. Data gathered however show that governments in seven of the

11 countries submitted combined reports covering two reporting periods. This arose from the

Committee decision in 1999 which allows State Parties to combine their 2nd

and 3rd

or 3rd

and

4th

periodic reports if (i) the next report is due within a year after the dialogue with the

Committee or (ii) the report is already due at the time of the dialogue and the next report is

due two years or more after the dialogue.39

4.2. CRC Alternative Reporting Process and Methods

Data from the study indicate that the CSOs used the following methods to gather data for

their reports: (i) desk review of various reports and researches, (ii) consultations with civil

society and children’s groups, and (iii) meetings and expert review sessions with various

stakeholders (see Annex 4. Process and Methods Used by CSOs in Developing Alternative

Reports). A closer examination of these methods revealed what they entailed:

Desk review of reports and research involved the collection of census data and

statistical information from reports and case studies produced by government, CSOs, and

other development organisations. The data from these sources were sought to obtain a

comprehensive and in-depth situational analysis of children's rights as well as an

assessment of the progress and gaps in the implementation of the CRC. A look into the

legal and policy dimensions helped to determine the compliance of national and local

laws and policies with the CRC, the Concluding Observation, and other relevant human

rights instruments.

Consultations with civil society and children’s groups involved the conduct of focus

group discussions, workshops, and field interviews. These methods were designed and

38

Child Rights Working Group. Complementary Report to the Third and Fourth Periodical Country Report on Vietnam’s Implementation of the UN CRC 2002 – 2007 39

Ibid.


employed to specifically validate the State periodic report, and elicit the perspectives and

recommendations of children, adults, and civil society on the situation of children in

various circumstances and geographical settings.

Meetings and review sessions with experts involved consulting with representatives

from the academe, media, government, and other professional stakeholders as sources of

technical inputs in the thematic areas of the alternative report.

4.3. Good Practices and Enablers in CRC Monitoring and Alternative Reporting

The Committee on the Rights of the Child emphasised that the process of preparing the

alternative reports should encourage and facilitate “popular participation and public scrutiny

of government policies” (General Comment No. 5).40

While there were variances, there was

generally wide participation in alternative reporting processes in the 11 countries covered.

The role and participation of children ranged from sharing their insights in the consultations

and workshops and monitoring of children's rights to the actual development of separate

children's alternative reports submitted to the Committee on the Rights of the Child.

Five good practices and the factors that made them possible across the countries covered are

discussed in detail from hereon.

Good Practices

1. Facilitating wide participation of civil society including children in alternative reporting

As indicated by the data gathered the vigilance of the 11 Asian countries’ civil societies in

monitoring government policies on children are manifested in their involvement in alternative

reporting. This was generally satisfactory within the varying status of the concerned national

coalitions and the CSOs on the one hand, and the prevailing conditions in the countries on the

other hand.

Bangladesh. CSOs were widely engaged in alternative reporting during the last reporting

period as evidenced by the five alternative reports submitted to the Committee on the Rights

of the Child. The development of these reports involved more than 360 CSOs including

children. The findings further suggest that no single civil society coalition engaged in

alternative reporting in the country.

Cambodia. Children, youth, village chiefs and villagers, indigenous people, NGO workers,

donors, and representatives of UN agencies were interviewed to generate data for the

alternative report submitted by the NGO Coalition on the Rights of the Child (NGOCRC). In

addition, members of the coalition, relevant organisations, and children and youth

participated in consultative workshops to validate the draft report and elicit additional

insights.

40 Committee on the Rights of the Child. General Comment No. 5. CRC/GC/2003/5. Paragraph 59


India. Alternative reporting in India generated wide participation from civil society

including the children through a citizen's collective review process. The CSO coalition that

spearheaded the initiative devised a useful tool, which facilitated generating data from those

involved in the process.

Score Card on Government's Policies on Children's Rights

The India Alliance for Child Rights developed a Score Card with which

adults and children assessed government's policies and actions in ensuring

children’s rights.

Administered by the National Citizens' Collective CRC Review network,

the Score Card contained data on children and information on the situation

of children's rights in India. Members of the network facilitated the

Citizens' Collective Country Review Process where approximately 350

CSOs engaged in a wide range of participatory data-gathering activities

for an inclusive assessment of the progress of CRC implementation.

Indonesia. CSO members of the Indonesia National NGO Coalition for Child Rights

Monitoring (Indochildright) consulted with 14 groups of vulnerable children during its

comprehensive review of CRC implementation in Indonesia.41 Among the children were

school dropouts, children from indigenous and religious minorities, victims of sexual

violence, internally displaced and refugee children, children victims of conflict, students,

trafficked children, children in conflict with the law, children with special needs (children

with disability), children living on the street, children victims of commercial sexual

exploitation, victims of substance abuse; children with HIV/AIDS, children working in

factories and the textile industry, and child domestic workers.

Nepal. Extensive consultations held to develop the alternative report submitted by the

National Alliance of Child Rights Organisations (NACRO)42

helped raise public awareness

on children's issues. The discussions linked the situation of children and the community with

national and international issues; they also helped in surfacing gaps in accountabilities of

Government with regards its obligations to children in need of special protection. Joint efforts

of CSOs and experts in relevant fields facilitated the involvement of groups of disadvantaged

children in the process.

Pakistan. The alternative reporting process served as a platform for 130 CSOs to pursue the

shared aspiration to unite in support of the advancement of children's rights and consequently

to establish a civil society coalition. The Child Rights Movement emerged from provincial

and national consultations during the preparation of the alternative report on the combined

third and fourth periods submitted by the Society for the Protection of Children in partnership

with Save the Children.43

41 Indochildright. Review Report: The Implementation of the CRC in Indonesia 1997-2009 42 National Alliance of Child Rights Organisations. CRC Alternative Report 2002 43

Civil society organisation


Philippines. Collaborative efforts between the NGO Coalition and other networks across the

country facilitated the involvement of adults and children in the development of one

comprehensive alternative report. Adult and children representatives participated in parallel

consultations that gave each sector the opportunity to develop and articulate their

perspectives and review the outputs of the other sector. The adult and children representatives

were identified through members of the NGO Coalition and partner networks.

Sri Lanka. A concrete outcome of the wide consultations with civil society including

children in the development of the alternative report was the comprehensive analysis and set

of recommendations to the Government. An even more significant measure was how the

recommendations were noted and taken up by the State. The technical assistance and

financial support from Save the Children helped catalyse the mobilisation of civil society and

children as participants, considering the Child Rights Advocacy Network was still in the

formation stage during the last reporting period.44

Concrete measure of effectiveness

Fifty-eight per cent of the 103 Concluding Observations adopted by the

Committee on the Rights of Child in the review of the State Periodic Report

were recommendations forwarded in the alternative report.

Thailand. The alternative report submitted by the National Council for Child and Youth

Development and the Centre for the Protection of Children’s Rights in the last reporting

period (2006) was produced in cooperation with child and youth organisations, as well as,

local and international CSOs based in Thailand.45

Timor-Leste. The alternative report of Forum Tau Matan was prepared in cooperation with

the Timor-Leste NGO Group and with assistance from NGOs working with issues concerning

children in the country.46

The development of the report did not directly involve children due

to the limited capacities of CSOs in facilitating participatory processes amongst children.47

Vietnam. The development of the alternative report of the Child Rights Working Group

(CRWG) was an intensive exercise where children, national and local CSOs including

grassroots organisations assessed the government's compliance with the CRC. Considering

the prevailing political system in the country, the development of the alternative report is a

milestone for CSOs advancing children's rights. While the alternative report was prepared

and submitted separately from the State Periodic report, CRWG sought constructive

dialogues with government agencies on the contents of the State report as well as the findings

and recommendations to improve children's rights in the country in the alternative report.

44

Based on information shared by CSO representative in semi-structured questionnaires 45 National Council for Child and Youth Development. Thailand NGO Report on The Implementation of the

Convention on the Rights of the Child, 2000–2004 46

Forum Tau Matan. NGO Shadow Report Presented to the Child Rights Committee Members. October 2007 47

Based on responses in semi-structured questionnaires for CSO representatives and Plan Country Office focal persons


2. Meaningful involvement of children in alternative reporting

The research confirmed that children played a crucial role in alternative reporting in the 11

countries studied. The role of children and the extent of their involvement however varied

across countries. Among the nine countries where children participated in the development of

the alternative report, Sri Lanka and Vietnam included separate reports containing detailed

results from the consultations with the children. Bangladesh and Cambodia each had separate

children's alternative reports submitted to the Committee on the Rights of the Child.48

Bangladesh. Children participated in various focus group discussions and workshops, which

were held to gather information on different aspects of children's rights situation and assess

policy impacts and gaps in CRC implementation in the country.49

Their views and narratives

were integrated in the alternative reports submitted by various CSOs.

Children's Alternative Report from Bangladesh

More than 5,000 children affiliated with various CSOs across the country

were involved in the development of a children's alternative report.50

The

children consisted of those in school, working children, children with

disabilities, from indigenous people's groups, children living in shelter

homes and living on the streets.

The preparation of the report involved formation of working groups from

among children that oversaw data gathering, consultations, administering

questionnaires, and report writing. Based on priority concerns identified

by the children themselves, the report focused on education, health and

protection issues.

The children's alternative report was developed by the National Children’s

Task Force,51

with support from Save the Children.

Cambodia. Children and youth were among those interviewed as part of the development of

the NGOCRC’s alternative report.52

They were also involved in two consultative workshops

that were held to gather feedback and inputs to the report. Their insights were integrated in

NGOCRC’s alternative report. In addition, a children's alternative report was developed and

submitted by the Children and Young People's Movement for Child Rights (CYPMCR)53

,

48

Note: Although it has been reported in Plan documents that there was a separate children's report from India submitted to the Committee on the Rights of the Child, this information could not be validated because there was no children's alternative report posted in the CRIN website in the last CRC reporting period. 49

Refer to Country Report for Bangladesh 50

National Children's Task Force. "I Speak About Me." Save the Children. 2007 51

National Children's Task Force is a nationwide children's organisation in Bangladesh established to monitor the implementation of the National Plan of Action against sexual abuse and exploitation of children including trafficking 52

NGOCRC. Alternative Report on the Implementation of the UNCRC in Cambodia 2000-2009 53

CYPMCR is a network of children and youth established in 2002 by nine children and youth led organisations/clubs


with technical and financial support from the Child Rights Foundation and Save the

Children.54

Children's Alternative Report from Cambodia

Direct consultations were carried out with 440 children across the country in the

development of children's alternative report.55

These children, aged 9 to 17 years,

consisted of those in school; in vulnerable situations (i.e., orphans, children

dropped out of school, children of soldiers); working children (i.e., garbage

scavenging children, children working at brick-making establishments and rubber

plantations, children selling tokens of souvenir, begging children, shoe-polishing

children, children working at construction sites, children doing waged work at

border areas, migrant children), children victims of violence, as well as, children

from indigenous people's communities.

The development of the children's report involved organising a children and youth

working group tasked with gathering and analysing data, and drafting and

finalising the report.

The report, which was drafted in the local language, was reviewed and adopted by

children in a national children's conference. Following its adoption, the report was

presented to the Government, and relevant national and international CSOs

including media groups. The children and youth working group finalised and

translated the report to English and submitted it to the Committee on the Rights of

the Child.

India.56

In preparation for its alternative report,57

IACR supported consultations with

children in school, out-of-school, and from rural and urban poor areas. The consultations

gave children the opportunity to be part of the Citizens’ Collective Review process. Their

feedback on the performance of Government on the fulfilment of children's rights served as

input to the report. In the process, children gained knowledge and confidence in discussing

their rights.

Nepal. Consultations with marginalised groups of children conducted by NACRO provided

these children the opportunity to influence required actions to address the policy gaps for

children in need of special protection.58

These groups were composed of stone quarry child

workers, mechanical child workers, domestic child workers, child porters, rag pickers and

street children, brick kiln child workers, squatter children, children sexually abused and

exploited, conflict-affected children and school-going children.

54

CYPMCR. Cambodia Children's Report "My Life, My Suggestion." 2010 55

Ibid 56

Note: Although it has been reported in Plan documents that there was a separate children's report from India submitted to the Committee on the Rights of the Child, this information could not be validated because there was no children's report available/posted in the CRIN website. 57

Plan India. Engagement of Plan in the UNCRC Monitoring, Review and Reporting Process – An Update 58

National Alliance of Child Rights Organisations. CRC Alternative Report 2002


Pakistan. The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child developed the alternative

report in consultation with CSOs working for children's rights across the country. Data

gathered did not establish the specific role and involvement of children in alternative

reporting.

Philippines. Children from various social circumstances, in urban and rural areas,

participated in parallel consultations carried out by the NGO Coalition and partner networks

across the country. Their insights and recommendations were highlighted in the alternative

report.

Sri Lanka. The participation of Sri Lankan children in alternative reporting is made evident

in the separate report on the children’s contributions in the process.

The children that participated represented all major provinces, ethnic groups, and religions.

They were selected in consideration of geographical, ethnic and language representation in a

particular group of vulnerable children, as well as access of Civil Society Forum members

with the children.

Children's Consultation Report in Sri Lanka’s Alternative Report

Together with the alternative report developed by the Civil Society Forum, a

separate report documented the concerns, views and recommendations of

marginalised groups of children.59

This report was an output of the consultations carried out by children with

fellow children. Due to time and resource constraints, the consultations were

conducted only among seven of the most vulnerable and marginalised

groups of children who also numbered the most compared to other groups.

These groups were those of children in the plantation sector; children from

poor rural areas; children with disabilities; former child soldiers; internally

displaced children; children in poor urban areas, and children in institutions.

Thailand. Based on World Vision’s experience, children and youth involvement in

alternative reporting ranged from participation in consultations during the preparation of the

report to participation in the CRC review held with the Committee on the Rights of the Child

in Geneva.60

Timor-Leste. Data gathered indicate that children were not directly involved in the

development of the alternative report submitted by Forum Tau Matan.61

Vietnam. More than 300 children from across the country participated in consultations

conducted by the Child Rights Working Group in the development of its alternative report.62

59

We Want Change: Voices of Children in Sri Lanka. Report on the consultations with children for the Supplementary Report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child 60

From responses in semi-structured interview with representative from World Vision, Thailand. November 2012 61

Based on responses in semi-structured questionnaires for CSO representative and Plan Country Office focal person


The consultations focused on topics most relevant to children's experience. These are:

violence, child participation, education, inclusive education, HIV/AIDS, migration and

trafficking. The children were also consulted on their views on non-discrimination. Direct

quotes from the children were included in the alternative report while children’s views and

recommendations were presented in the Child Consultation Report that was attached to the

main alternative report. The child participants were identified through existing networks and

contacts of the NGOs involved.

3. Establishment of child-led children's rights monitoring and reporting mechanism

The establishment of child-led children's rights monitoring and reporting mechanism in

Bangladesh helped transform the environment to one that enables children to directly monitor

and prepare alternative reports. This undertaking was made possible through the collaborative

efforts of Manusher Jonno Foundation, Plan Bangladesh and Save the Children.

Through workshops, children were familiarised with the Concluding Observations and

assisted to identify key themes and develop monitoring indicators to assess the Government’s

compliance with the provisions of the CRC, based on a set of criteria. Gathering of

information took into account the evolving capacities of children in order to make the

monitoring process child-friendly.63

Information gathered from the child-led monitoring

activities will be utilised in developing a child-led alternative report in the forthcoming

reporting period.

4. Systems development for effective CRC monitoring

Collection of sufficient and reliable disaggregated data on children is essential in determining

the progress and identifying the disparities in realizing the rights of children.64

The initiatives

taken by CSO coalitions in Cambodia, Indonesia and the Philippines are concrete

manifestations of efforts towards effective CRC monitoring. By integrating CRC monitoring

in the regular activities of its member organisations, the coalitions are addressing a key

challenge in alternative reporting, specifically the availability of reliable data on the various

aspects of the Convention.

Cambodia. The NGOCRC developed a monitoring database and data collection tools to

generate and collate information for the monitoring of the status and outcomes of the

implementation of CRC across the country. Coalition members were organised into working

groups with each responsible for information pertinent to each of the following thematic

areas: civil rights and freedom, family and alternative care, primary healthcare and welfare,

education and leisure, and special protection. Child Advocate Networks were established in

11 provinces to monitor children's rights at the community level. Technical and financial

62

Child Rights Working Group. Complementary Report to the Third and Fourth Periodical Country Report on Vietnam’s Implementation of the UN CRC 2002–2007 63

Plan Bangladesh. ORTOB Project 64

Committee on the Rights of the Child. General Comment No. 5. CRC/GC/2003/5


support from Plan Cambodia and Save the Children were instrumental in making the

initiative possible.

Indonesia. The Indochildright conducted a comprehensive review of CRC implementation

in Indonesia to assess the country's achievements in terms of the principles and provisions of

the Convention. Children's consultations were held across the country; legal and policy

research was also conducted. The review covered the implementation of CRC from 1997

until 2009. Information gathered will be utilised in the development of the alternative report.

This unprecedented initiative was made possible through technical and financial support from

International NGO Consortium: ChildFund, Plan Indonesia, Save the Children, Terre des

Hommes Netherlands and World Vision Indonesia. CSOs that are not members of the

coalition organised and supported children’s consultations.

Philippines. In order to strengthen its main function of monitoring and reporting on the

CRC, the NGO Coalition on the CRC developed monitoring indicators and a guidebook for

NGOs on CRC reporting. Guided by the thematic structure for periodic reporting, coalition

members provided technical expertise in defining monitoring indicators as well as sources of

data for the five clusters of CRC articles, namely, civil rights and freedoms; family

environment and alternative care; basic health and welfare; education, leisure and cultural

activities; special protection measures. They also came up with indicators for the general

measures of implementation and general principles corresponding to the clusters of rights.

These were achieved through numerous consultations and consensus-making sessions.

Members of the NGO Coalition are now using the guidebook and the monitoring indicators in

their respective areas of operation; the resulting information will be utilised in the next

alternative reporting process.

5. Popular dissemination of the Concluding Observations

The Concluding Observations adopted by the Committee on the Rights of the Child following

its review of the State report serves as a pertinent reference to stimulate discussions and

advocate for needed policies and actions from government to improve the situation of

children's rights. Although it is the primary responsibility of the governments to popularise

and disseminate the Concluding Observations to various groups and individuals including

children, CSO coalitions have been doing it to a great extent.

Cambodia. The NGOCRC works in partnership with the Government of Cambodia in

disseminating the Concluding Observations including the production of a child-friendly

version of the Concluding Observations.

Pakistan. Since the review of the State Periodic report in 2009, the Child Rights Movement

has been actively advocating for the implementation of the Concluding Observations and

recommendations at the federal and provincial levels of government. The coalition published

and disseminated the Concluding Observations through print and the electronic media, and

discussed it with parliamentarians, journalists, judges, police and prison officials, teachers,

and children. It also produced a child-friendly version of the document and disseminated

copies among children.


Philippines. As part of its regular activities, the NGO Coalition disseminates the Concluding

Observations to various stakeholders including children to better inform and enable them to

claim their rights.

Enablers

Six enabling factors that helped make CRC monitoring and alternative reporting effective in

the countries covered were indicated by the data gathered in the study. These enablers cut

across the foregoing good practices.

1. The presence of a CSO coalition with a focused mandate to monitor and report on the

implementation of the CRC provided the needed common platform for engaging and

sustaining the involvement of civil society, children and communities in the cycle of

monitoring and reporting on children's rights.

2. Good coordination and leadership within CSO coalitions fostered collaboration, produced

collective efforts, helped in overcoming pertinent challenges, and sustained

CSO involvement through the lengthy process and the rigorous tasks entailed in

CRC monitoring and alternative reporting.

3. Operating as coalitions, and forming strategic alliances and partnerships helped build the

credibility and legitimacy of CSOs engaged in monitoring and alternative reporting. It

also provided the platform where the complementing strengths and expertise of

international, national, and local CSOs can be tapped. Inputs are likewise maximised

when resources as well as tasks are shared in these processes, resulting in greater

involvement from children and communities.

4. The availability of technical support, and human and financial resources are crucial in

sustaining the operational requirements for CRC monitoring and alternative reporting. In

addition, readily available expertise in facilitating participatory monitoring and reporting

processes allowed wider and meaningful involvement of children and communities in

these processes. Participatory processes with key stakeholders in CRC monitoring and

the alternative reporting promoted ownership and elicited appreciation of the importance

of these processes.

5. Constructive dialogue and collaborative relations with government agencies was essential

in minimising challenges caused by limited understanding of the role of civil society in

CRC monitoring and reporting. The credible standing of CSO coalitions as competent

entities in monitoring and reporting on children's rights gave them leverage in

collaborating with government.

6. Information, technical support and advise from Plan Liaison Office and linkage with the

NGO Group in Geneva helped to ensure that reporting processes are consistent with the

requirements and schedules of the Committee on the Rights of the Child.


4.4. Key Barriers and Challenges in CRC Monitoring and Alternative Reporting

The study sought a clear and valid context for analysing the alternative reporting process. It

needed specific information and insights to validate the factors which were perceived to

impact negatively on CRC monitoring and reporting.65

Thus, respondents were asked to share

what they consider as the challenges and the constraints as well as the barriers and stumbling

blocks to CRC monitoring and alternative reporting in their respective countries. They were

also asked to state or infer what they think were the possible underlying causes.

Data gathered points to four key barriers and stumbling blocks that make the process

challenging in the countries covered. In addition, there are three key challenges or processes

to be addressed to improve future work on CRC monitoring and alternative reporting in the

countries. Following is a detailed discussion of these barriers and challenges.

Barriers

1. Restricted civil society environment and weak governance

The political situation and government regulations on civil society, in some countries, have

restricted the opportunities for CSOs to influence government policies for children. For

instance, the political situation in Sri Lanka has restricted the discourse on human rights and

the space for constructive engagement of civil society with government. Consequently, the

situation does not enable child rights monitoring and alternative reporting.

Governments in Bangladesh and Cambodia have introduced legislations that would regulate

CSO activities including foreign donations to Bangladeshi NGOs.66

In Vietnam, the

Government has systematically imposed restrictions on civil rights and freedom. In Thailand,

the Government has also imposed measures that censor civil society actors who are critical to

the Government. These situations jeopardize civil society’s involvement in CRC monitoring

and alternative reporting.

Similarly, weak governance and lack of accountability and transparency negatively affect the

monitoring and reporting processes. Government entities in many countries have limited

appreciation of the relevance CRC monitoring and alternative reporting and the role of civil

society in these processes particularly at grassroots level.

2. Delays in submission and coverage of the State periodic reports

A section-by-section analysis of the State Party periodic report is a core component of

alternative reports. Thus, a delay in the availability of the State report consequently delays the

submission of the alternative report.

65 Plan ARO. Terms of Reference. 2012 66

Human Rights Watch. World Report 2013


Further delay also results when a State periodic report covers more than what it should. In

Cambodia for instance, the Government submitted a report covering two reporting periods.

The alternative report, which the NGOCRC completed before the Government submitted its

report had to be revised. This caused delay and required additional human and financial

resources.

3. Lack of reliable and disaggregated data on children from government

Regular collection and analysis of data on children are crucial in assessing progress in the

realisation of children's rights. A clearer understanding of obstacles and challenges and age-

appropriate interventions for children is best determined if there is disaggregated data.

Information from most countries indicates insufficiency of data on the situation of children.

Disaggregated data on children such as those in bonded labour and with disabilities are not

readily available from the respective government institutions, preventing a real evidence-

based analysis of progress and gaps in CRC implementation.

Government agencies responsible for children have inadequate technical and programmatic

capabilities in data collection and retrieval. Some countries lack a central data system on

children. Where available, repositories of information on children -- databases and websites --

are not properly maintained and updated. Data across sources are inconsistent. Civil society

also has limited access to information from government, which indicate that coordination

between government and CSOs involved in CRC monitoring and reporting needs to be

improved.

In the Philippines, the frontline agencies of government have data collection systems for

children but it lacks the appreciation for the relevance of data collection from the national

down to the local levels. Local governments (provincial, municipal and village level) do not

also have the capacity to effectively monitor and report on the situation of children.

CSO mechanisms for monitoring and reporting of rights violations at local levels are

inadequate. Data gathering methodologies are also not standardised among CSOs that collect

data on children. As a result, the use of a variety of methods and tools gives rise to numerous

challenges highlighting the need for a harmonised and systematic methodology on this

matter.

4. Inadequate appreciation of CSOs' role in CRC monitoring and alternative reporting

While CSOs are actively involved in advocacy and service delivery for children, they fail to

mainstream CRC monitoring and alternative reporting within their organisational mandate

and consequently as a regular component in a rights-based approach for their programmes

and activities. Some CSOs consider monitoring and alternative reporting as temporary

activities rather than continuous and long-term processes. They engage in these processes as

project-based activities and focus more on achieving outputs instead of generating long-term


commitments from stakeholders. These indicate a lack of a real appreciation for the

importance of civil society's role in these processes. Consequently, it affects the development

of evidence-based policy recommendations to address gaps and violations of children's rights.

Challenges

1. Promoting collective ownership of the CRC monitoring

and alternative reporting processes

In some countries, the CSO coalition convener and a few member CSOs rather than the entire

coalition undertake monitoring and alternative reporting tasks. Identified constraints in this

aspect include inadequate appreciation of the merits of collective advocacy, uneven levels of

commitments due to time and resource constraints, and the reluctance to be openly involved

among some coalition members due to possible negative consequences on the existence of

CSOs. As a result, the scope and quality of the alternative reports are affected.

Varying levels of organisational and resource capacities affect the cohesiveness of actions in

monitoring and alternative reporting. Gaps in coordination between local CSOs and

international NGOs complicate the preparation of a unified alternative report. For instance,

in the last periodic reporting in Timor-Leste, international NGOs and national CSOs/NGOs

prepared two alternative reports reflecting two different analyses of the same issues related to

children's right to education, health and environment. In some of the other countries, internal

competition among CSOs and NGOs occurred due to the tendency of some, particularly those

that contributed resources, to promote their respective development approaches and

organisations.

2. Sustaining the momentum and cohesive involvement of CSOs

in CRC monitoring and alternative reporting

CRC monitoring and alternative reporting take time. In some cases, the lengthy process

coupled with the desire to finish and submit the alternative report while waiting for the most

strategic time to submit it to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva has caused

tension. In Vietnam, for instance, the lengthy process diminished the involvement of some

CSOs. In India, the momentum generated among CSOs during the consultations dissipated

as they waited for the long delayed report from the government.

Technical and financial assistance extended by international NGOs including Plan largely

focused on developing the alternative report and not necessarily on building the cohesiveness

of the CSO coalitions. The findings of this research indicate a necessity of deepening the

latter.


3. Meaningful and sustained involvement of civil society including children

CSOs are facing various internal and external challenges that affect their capacity to engage

children and grassroots organisations from all geographic locations and in sustaining follow-

up activities. Human and financial resources as well as technical competency for the needed

capacity building are limited. Protection issues also impinge on the participation of children

in monitoring and alternative reporting activities as CSO coalitions are still to develop

appropriate child safeguarding mechanisms.

Prevailing traditional attitudes towards children hinder their participation. Many adults still

refuse to recognise the rights of children to express their views and do not support children's

meaningful involvement in alternative reporting. In India, for instance, the partner CSO and

adult facilitators tend to discourage children participants from thinking for themselves.

Children's responses and suggestions were skewed towards what the adults expected from

them as the proper or right answers.

Children are not able to freely express their views especially on issues considered taboo in

the local culture. In Bangladesh, for instance, tradition led to restricting children's

participation in discussions on reproductive health issues. Responses shared from South

Asian countries show that girls are not as free to participate in community activities as the

boys are. Families and communities disallow the participation of girl children, especially

victims of rights violation, thereby excluding them from the process. The increasing number

of children's clubs where girl children are members is however helping in improving the

situation.

Language barrier is another challenge faced in many countries. There are limited resource

materials prepared in the local language. For instance, many of the resource materials and

tools for alternative reporting in Thailand are in the English language, and therefore, not

readily understood by Thai children and grassroots organisations.


5. Conclusions and Recommendations

CSO coalitions have a pivotal role in harnessing diverse efforts of civil society in a

systematic monitoring of children's rights, which includes assessing the extent of

government’s fulfilment of its obligations under the CRC.

Data indicate that the civil societies including children in the 11 countries covered by the

study participated in CRC monitoring and alternative reporting processes, with variances in

terms of: (i) the entities that facilitated the participation of these sectors, (ii) the methods used

in engaging their participation, (iii) the manner and extent of their involvement, and (iv) the

outputs and outcomes from their participation. Data gathered also support that coalitions that

Plan is liaising with differ in their capacity to push child-oriented reforms through the

processes entailed in CRC monitoring and alternative reporting.

The findings indicate that CSO coalitions in Cambodia, India, and the Philippines are

relatively advanced in terms of technical expertise since they have existed longer and have

engaged in alternative reporting more than once.

The key barriers and challenges surfaced in this study point to numerous internal and external

factors, which affect the manner and the extent of civil society involvement within the

discussed processes. These factors are summed up in four conditions that prevail in the

counties covered. With them are suggested actions that CSOs, Governments, and Plan could

take to improve each condition:

Condition 1: The shrinking space for civil society

While Governments in most of the countries are positively inclined towards CRC monitoring

and alternative reporting, CSO coalitions encountered problems in the various stages of the

processes involved. The political environment in some of the countries is not conducive for

proper monitoring and reporting on children's rights due mainly to restrictions imposed by

governments as in the case of Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Vietnam.

Recommendation: Strategic collaboration with governments

Build and strengthen constructive engagements with the government. Even as CSO coalitions

need to maintain their independence from the State, establishing collaborative and strategic

relations with key actors in government is important to mitigate various barriers and

challenges that are generally encountered in advocating for children's rights as well as in

monitoring and alternative reporting.

Develop champions within government, particularly at the local level, who can influence the

enforcement of policies on CRC implementation including monitoring and reporting on

children's situation; this could help to overcome challenges in data gathering and monitoring.

Condition 2: Inadequate technical capacity for CRC monitoring and alternative

reporting on the part of government and among members of the CSO coalition.

30 Conclusions and Recommendations

The governments in most of the countries lack the critical requirements that will ensure

effective CRC monitoring and reporting. Systems for monitoring and managing data on

children are non-existent or not properly maintained, which constraints a comprehensive data

analysis and limits the formulation of evidence-based policy recommendations in the

alternative report. Governments are usually delayed in submitting their State reports to the

Committee on the Rights of the Child, which consequently affect the preparation and

submission of alternative reports.

In spite of the significant contributions for developing capacities from international and

national NGOs and the provision of reporting guidelines from the NGO Group for the CRC,

data indicate that many CSOs still have limited technical competency in facilitating

participatory monitoring and alternative reporting processes among children and

communities. Part of the difficulty encountered by CSOs in utilising guidelines on CRC

monitoring and alternative reporting is that these are prepared in the English language and not

contextualised in grassroots settings.

Recommendation: Customisation of monitoring and reporting tools

Provide technical assistance to CSO coalitions for the development of simple CRC

monitoring tools, similar to the Score Card utilised in India. These could include tools for

analysing rights violation and budget allocation for children, tools for eliciting children's

participation in the monitoring process, and the like.

Support the contextualisation and localisation of guidelines and tools for deeper and broader

usefulness.

Recommendation: Setting up of information systems

Support the conduct of policy reviews and relevant researches that will generate an accurate

and up-to-date baseline for measuring progress in CRC implementation in countries where

the government has no information system on children in place.

Support the development of systems within coalitions for monitoring CRC implementation

similar to those in Cambodia and the Philippines. Such support should encompass capacity

building in developing monitoring indicators on all aspects and components of children's

rights, documentation, and participatory research.

Recommendation: Capacity building within CSO Coalitions

Conceptualise and implement a capacity-building plan to upgrade the current level of

expertise and technical expertise in CRC monitoring and alternative reporting among those

involved in these countries. Mapping the available relevant technical competence of member

organisations would be a good starting point. Identifying knowledge and skill areas as well as

the individuals who are in most need of assistance would be a logical next step. Formulation

of programmes, strategies, and activities that will respond to these needs can then follow.

Encourage greater sharing of guidelines, information sources, and tools among member

organisations including grassroots organisations. Some concrete actions that can be taken are

formation of learning teams as venues for sharing not only experiences but also systems and

tools, as well as study visits in areas of operation of member organisations and networks. A


website with customised tools and resources can also serve as platform to facilitate cross-

country sharing of information among CSOs.

Condition 3: Insufficient funds of CSOs

It is general knowledge that funds impact on both the present and future of CSOs in CRC

monitoring and alternative reporting. As data indicate, support from international donors

helped CSOs cope with insufficient resources, specifically in enabling them to produce

outputs, such as a comprehensive review of CRC implementation and alternative reports.

These donors also supported the engagement of individuals and teams to oversee the rigorous

work entailed. Availability of funds is also a crucial element upon which the staying power

of CSO coalitions in the arena of CRC monitoring and alternative reporting depends.

Recommendations: Funds allocation on the part of donors

Provide funds and technical assistance for the following purposes: (i) the continuing training

and other capability building initiatives; (ii) the development of a sustainability plan which

will concretely articulate commitments on the generation, sharing, and use of resources

including funds, to comply with the operational requirements of CRC monitoring and

alternative reporting; and (iii) the continuing strengthening of a cohesive coalition.

Condition 4: Limited involvement of current members of the coalition

CSO members within coalitions have diverse interests and varying levels of technical and

financial capacity which impact on their involvement in the lengthy process of CRC

monitoring and alternative reporting. The diversity in some cases gives rise to conflicts due

to competing interests among some members. This is a given challenge throughout the life of

any coalition.

Recommendation: Cohesiveness-enhancing strategies and activities among coalition

members and with external collaborators and partners

Conceptualise and implement a plan, which will encompass strategies and activities for

improving relations within the coalition and make for smooth and meaningful coordination

among members as well as with external parties. This plan can include engaging coalition

members to collectively reflect on their achievements from the previous experience in

alternative reporting, draw lessons from it, and acquire a common understanding and

appreciation for CRC monitoring and reporting. This reflection can serve as the take-off

point for action steps to enhance teamwork within the coalition.

Promote leadership styles that foster collective actions. Initiate, strengthen, and maximise

collaborative actions with other CSO coalitions and stakeholders. These include non-member

CSOs, coalitions, independent human rights organisations, research institutes, and other

development organisations engaged in monitoring and reporting on the two Optional

Protocols to the CRC, Universal Periodic Review, Convention on the Elimination of All

Forms of Discrimination Against Women, other human rights treaties and specific issues

covered under the CRC. Collaboration among these institutions will pave the way for the

sharing of information, expertise, and resources. Closer coordination and communication

between Plan Liaison Office and the NGO Group in Geneva can help overcome challenges

32 Conclusions and Recommendations

encountered in alternative reporting such as access to State periodic reports and schedule for

the Committee's review of periodic reports.

Recommendations for actions within Plan67

Strengthen the capacity of Plan staff in CRC monitoring and alternative reporting.

Provide clearer direction to improve the knowledge and understanding of line managers

and staff on the relevance of being engaged in CRC monitoring and reporting processes

as part of rights-based programming.

Integrate CRC monitoring indicators in Programme Accountability and Learning System

and data collection system.

Institutionalise support to CSO coalitions by making technical and financial resources

available for CRC monitoring, including child led monitoring and reporting, as part of

Plan's regular programme support. Sustain partnership with national CSO coalitions

through sharing of tools, training materials, researches and other resources on children's

rights.

Take a more proactive and facilitating role to get civil society stakeholders under a

common platform for unified efforts in alternative reporting.

67

Based on recommendations of Plan Country Office focal persons


References

Alternative Reports and Reference Documents

Adolescent Development Foundation. UNCRC Alternative Report to 3rd and 4th Periodic report from

Bangladesh: Looking Through Adolescent Lens. 2008

Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum. BSAF’s Alternative Report on the Implementation of UNCRC in

Bangladesh 2001-2006

Cambodia Children and Young People Movement for Child Rights. Cambodia Children’s Report: My

Life My Suggestions. 2010

Cambodia Children and Young People Movement for Child Rights. Children’s Views on

Implementation of the UN CRC in Cambodia. 2000-2004

Child Rights Advocacy Network. Power Point Presentation: CSO Involvement in the CRC Reporting

Process in Sri Lanka 2009/2010

Child Rights Working Group. Complementary Report to the Third and Fourth Periodical Country

Report on Vietnam’s Implementation of the UN CRC 2002 – 2007

Child Rights Working Group: Annual Report 2011

Civil Society Forum for the Supplementary Report on the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Supplementary Report to the Third and Fourth Combined Periodic Report of the State Party

of Sri Lanka. 2009

Civil Society Forum. We Want Change: Voices of Children in Sri Lanka. Report on the consultations

with children for the Supplementary Report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child

Forum Tau Matan. NGO Shadow Report Presented to the Child Rights Committee Members. October

2007

Human Rights Treaty Monitoring Coordination Committee. Alternative Report on Optional Protocol

to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and

child pornography. 2000

Indochildright. Review Report: The Implementation of Convention on the Rights of the Child in

Indonesia: Executive Summary

Indochildright. Review Report: The Implementation of the CRC in Indonesia 1997-2009

Larsen, Jacqueline Joudo. Trafficking of children in the Asia–Pacific

Manusher Jonno Foundation. Bangladesh’s Alternative UNCRC Report 2007

National Alliance of Child Rights Organisations. CRC Alternative Report 2002. Nepal

National Children's Task Force. "I Speak About Me." Save the Children. 2007

National Council for Child and Youth Development. Thailand NGO Report on the Implementation of

the Convention on the Rights of the Child, 2000–2004

NGO Committee on the Rights of the Child. Alternative Report on the Implementation of the UNCRC

in Cambodia. 2000-2009

NGO Committee on the Rights of the Child. Cambodia NGO Report. 1999

NGO Group for the Convention on the Rights of the Child. A Guide for Non Government

Organisations Reporting to the Committee on the Rights of the Child. 2006

34 References

Plan Asia Regional Office. Growing Up in Asia: Plan's strategic framework for fighting child poverty

in Asia 2005-2015. 2005

Plan Asia Region. Supporting Civil Society for Consistent and Sustainable Reduction of Poverty

through Realization of Children's Rights in Asia (2011-2015). ARO Regional Programme

2011-2015

Plan International Asia Regional Office. Promoting children's rights and fighting child poverty. 2011

Plan Liaison and Advocacy Office. Birth Registration and Right to Identity in the Monitoring and

Reporting Cycles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Plan Liaison and Advocacy Office. Keeping Child Rights Alive. Plan’s Guide to CRC

Plan Liaison and Advocacy Office. Survey Report: Plan’s involvement in monitoring, reporting and

follow-up of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, 2009-2010

Plan Nepal. Case Study Human Trafficking: A Survivor’s Story

Philippine NGO Coalition on the UN CRC. Filipino Children at the Margins of Development: The

Philippine NGO Coalition Monitoring Report on the Implementation of the Convention of the

Rights of the Child 2001-2007

Philippine NGO Coalition on the UN CRC. Annual Report 2011

Philippine NGO Coalition on the UN CRC. History of the Philippine NGO Coalition on the UN CRC

Plan India. Engagement of Plan in the UNCRC Monitoring, Review and Reporting Process – An

Update

Plan India. Tracking CRC Implementation: Plan India’s Engagement in UNCRC Review and

Reporting Process: Oct 2008 – Oct 2009

Plan Vietnam. CRC Complementary Report Development in Vietnam and Role and Participation of

Plan. 2010

Save the Children. UNCRC Alternative Report: A Critical Analysis of CRC Reporting Trends and

Implementation Status in Bangladesh. 2007

Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child. Alternative Report on the State of Child Rights in

Pakistan by Civil Society of Pakistan, March 2009

Subedi, Krishna. A Report: Participation of Nepal Civil Society Delegate in 60th Session of UN

Committee on the Rights of the Child

Zuurmond, I. (ed). Promoting child rights to end poverty. Plan International. 2010

Other References

Asian Development Bank. Asian Development Outlook 2011: Preparing for Demographic Transition.

2011

Asian Development Bank. Poverty in Asia and the Pacific: An Update. 2011

Australian Council for International Development. Timor-Leste Civil Society Analysis: Report of an

in-country consultation and desk review for strengthening civil society. 2008

Committee on the Rights of the Child. General Comment No. 5. CRC/GC/2003/5. 27. 2003

Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, Asian Development Bank, United Nations

Development Programme. Accelerating Equitable Achievement of the MDGs: Closing Gaps

in Health and Nutrition Outcomes. Asia-Pacific MDG Report 2011/12




United Nations General Assembly. Convention on the Rights of the Child. Resolution 44/25. 1989

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Statistical

Yearbook for Asia and the Pacific 2012

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). "Child Poverty in East Asia and the Pacific:

Deprivations and Disparities: A Study of Seven Countries." 2011

UNICEF. "International Collaboration for Children's Rights in Asia and the Pacific" Discussion

Paper. 2010

UNICEF. National Report Bangladesh. Global Study on Child Poverty and Disparities. 2009

UNICEF. "Situational Analysis of children and women in Pakistan." National Report. 2012

UNICEF. "Situation Assessment and Analysis of Children and Women in Bangladesh." 2009

UNICEF. "State of the World's Children 2012: Children in an Urban World"

UNICEF. 2010 Country Office Annual Report. Timor-Leste EAPRO.

UNICEF Indonesia. Country Office Annual Report 2011, Final version. 2012

Websites

http://hdr.undp.org

http://plan-international.org

http://www.adb.org

http://www.hrw.org

http://www.childrightsnet.org

http://www.crin.org

http://www.czop.org

http://www.manusherjonno.org

http://www.ohchr.org

http://www2.ohchr.org

http://www.unescap.org

http://www.unicef.org

http://www.worldbank.org

http://www.aic.gov.au

http://www.adb.org/themes/poverty/overview

http://www.adb.org/themes/poverty/overview

http://www.ohchr.org/EN/countries/AsiaRegion/Pages/AsiaRegionIndex.aspx

http://www.unicef.org/bangladesh/overview_4840.htm

http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/bangladesh/overview

36 Annex 1. Methodology for the Research

Annex 1. Methodology for the Research

Following the standard phases in undertaking similar research, this study took off from a

clear articulation of the output, which Plan and this researcher agreed on: action steps to

improve efforts in engaging popular participation in CRC monitoring and reporting in the

countries covered. These action steps are expected to be of help to Plan on the one hand, and

the CSOs in the 11 countries on the other, in streamlining their current practices in CRC

monitoring and reporting. Specifically for Plan, the findings will be used in advocacy for

greater meaningful involvement in alternative reporting from civil society including children.

The use of the findings by CSOs will depend on their appreciation of the data’s relevance,

appropriateness, and applicability, and the feasibility of their use within prevailing conditions

in their respective countries.

The initial data gathering was done through a desk review of alternative reports and pertinent

reference documents, both hard publications as well as online, and other data from secondary

sources, particularly those that deal with children’s issues. The intent was to obtain an

understanding of the socio-political context within which alternative reporting on CRC

implementation was carried out by the civil societies of the countries covered.

Data was also gathered using specifically formulated semi-structured self-administered

questionnaires. The questionnaires were administered to a total of 24 respondents, 12 from

civil society and 12 from Plan. The respondents from civil society were identified in

coordination with ARO and Plan Country Office focal persons.

The two questionnaires used had similar focus and intent (see Annex 5. Questionnaires).

They differed in perspective owing to the work affiliations, settings, and roles of the

respondents. The interviews (likewise the questionnaires) sought to draw out country-specific

information on good practices, achievements, enablers, barriers and challenges to CRC

monitoring and alternative reporting, as well as recommendations for overcoming the barriers

and challenges identified. They were administered according to the respondents’ preferred

modes of sharing responses. Thus, 23 questionnaires were emailed and one68

administered

via Skype.

Face-to-face interactions69

with Plan Country Office focal persons and CSO representatives

from eight70

out of the 1171

countries provided an extra dimension to the data gathering. The

interactions provided a venue to elucidate responses in the questionnaire, and thereby

validating the information. Discussions were also held with Plan's Representative to the

United Nations, Plan Asia's Regional Adviser for Child Rights and Protection and the CSO

Programme Coordinator to clarify and validate initial findings of the research.

68

Questionnaire was administered via Skype interview with CSO coalition representative from Nepal 69

Face-to-face interactions were held during the ARO Regional Training on Reporting under UNCRC Optional Protocols and Universal Periodic Review in Bangkok. 5-9 November 2012 70

Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and CSO representative from The Philippines 71

Plan and CSO participants from India, Indonesia and Timor-Leste and Plan representative from the The Philippines were unable to attend the ARO Regional Training in Bangkok


Data gathered were then consolidated according to four key concern areas of the study, which

are:

Alternative CRC monitoring and reporting process and methods adopted by the CSOs

Good practices in alternative reporting and effective monitoring of the CRC

Enabling factors in alternative reporting and effective monitoring of the CRC

Key barriers and stumbling blocks to effective monitoring and alternative reporting of the

CRC

Finally, the data gathered were analysed dccording to a two-pronged focus: (i) the

involvement of civil society and grassroots organisations in CRC monitoring and reporting

and (ii) children's involvement and role in the process. 72

Results of this analysis are in terms

of recommendations to individual countries and to Plan.

72

Plan ARO. Terms of Reference. 2012

38 Annex 2. Plan's Support for CRC Monitoring and Alternative Reporting

Annex 2. Plan's Support for CRC Monitoring and Alternative Reporting

In partnership with national and international CSOs, Plan provides technical assistance and

financial support to CSO coalitions in the following components and activities of CRC

monitoring and alternative reporting:73

Coordination and networking such as consultations to encourage civil society coalitions

to collaborate for one alternative report; meetings with key stakeholders to discuss

requirements for alternative reporting, and ensure cohesiveness in the reporting process.

Training and capacity building. Facilitating learning opportunities on CRC monitoring

and alternative reporting; development and production of guidebooks on CRC monitoring

and alternative reporting.

Monitoring CRC implementation. Data gathering and in-depth researches on progress

made in CRC implementation and the situation of children; legal review, policy research,

and consultations with children; establishment of a CRC monitoring database and the

development of CRC monitoring indicators for use of CSO coalition members.

Facilitating participation of civil society in alternative reporting. Consultations with

adults to gather and validate data, then conceptualize recommendations on specific

themes and issues covered in the alternative reports.

Facilitating children's participation. Awareness raising activities and facilitating

children's consultations to gather and validate information and elicit recommendations on

specific themes and issues covered in alternative reports. Capacity building activities for

the establishment of child-led CRC monitoring mechanism and child-led alternative

report (Bangladesh).

Providing substantive inputs. These include drafting and finalization of alternative

reports; translation of technical terms contained in the Concluding Observations into local

languages; technical inputs in discussion papers submitted by the national CSO coalition

to the Committee on the Rights of the Child.

Organisational development of the following national CSO coalition and networks:

Child Rights Advocacy Network, Child Rights Movement, Child Rights Working Group,

India Alliance for Child Rights; Indonesia National NGO Coalition for Child Rights

Monitoring, CRC Coalition.

Advocacy on various actions such as calling on government to submit its periodic report,

dissemination of the Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the

Child, and follow-through activities based on the Committee's recommendations.

Fund sourcing to support CRC monitoring activities of the CSO coalition (Timor-Leste)

Findings from semi-structured interviews with Plan Country Office focal persons indicate

that Plan Country Offices in Bangladesh, Thailand, and Sri Lanka were not involved in

alternative reporting in previous CRC reporting periods.

73

Plan Liaison and Advocacy Office. Keeping Child Rights Alive. 2011


Annex 3. List of Informants

Country/ Office

Civil Society Plan

Bangladesh Sultan Mahmud Programme Director Save the Children [email protected]

Farukh Ahmed Specialist- Child Protection and Capacity Building [email protected] Syed Matlubar Rashid Adviser-Child Rights [email protected]

Cambodia Samnang Meas Secretary General NGO Coalition on the Rights of the Child [email protected]

Sovannary Ty Country Child Rights Specialist [email protected]

India Razia Sultan Ismail National Co-Convener India Alliance for Child Rights [email protected]

Lilly Vishwanathan Senior Programme Manager, Advocacy and Campaigns [email protected]

Indonesia Odi Shalahuddin Member of presidium/Executive Coordinator Indonesia National NGO Coalition for Child Right Monitoring/Yayasan Sekretariat Anak Merdeka Indonesia (SAMIN Foundation) [email protected]

Setiawan Cahyo Nugroho Child and Adolescent Participation Specialist [email protected]

Nepal Tarak Dhital Chairperson Children at Zones of Peace and Child Protection (CZOPP) [email protected]

Madhuwanti Tuladhar Gender and Child Rights Coordinator [email protected]

Pakistan Mohammed Imtiaz Ahmed National Programme Manager Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child [email protected] Arshad Mahmood Senior Manager Advocacy Save the Children [email protected] Irshad Danish Head of Programme Development Children First [email protected]

Samina Sardar Child Rights Advisor [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]












40 Annex 3. List of Informants

Country/ Office

Civil Society Plan

Philippines Nelia O. Dychinco-Sevidal Executive Director Lunduyan para sa Pagpapalaganap, Pagtataguyod at Pagtatanggol ng Karapatang Pambata Foundation, Inc. [email protected]

Eric Lazarte Programme Advisor for Child Friendly Governance [email protected] Selena Fortich Country Programme Advisor for Child Protection [email protected]

Sri Lanka Chathuri Jayasooriyya Member – Colombo District Forum Child Rights Advocacy Network [email protected]

Shyamali Gnanasena Programme Specialist – Child and Youth Engagement [email protected]

Thailand Jake Lucchi National Advocacy Coordinator World Vision [email protected]

Jirawat Sae-Auong Child Protection Project Manager [email protected]

Timor-Leste Cipriano Oliveira Coordinator CRC Coalition [email protected]

Fernando Carvalho de Araujo CO Focal Point [email protected]

Vietnam Hoang Thu Ha Project officer Vietnam Association for Protection of Children’s Rights [email protected]

Ton That Tuan Rights-Based Approach to Development Manager [email protected]

Plan Liaison and Advocacy Office, Geneva

Anne-Sophie Lois UN Representative and Head of Office [email protected]


Raša Sekulović Regional Adviser, Child Rights and Protection [email protected] Shashike Gamage CSO Programme Coordinator [email protected]








Annex 4. Process and Methods Used by CSOs in Developing Alternative Reports

Methods Bangladesh Cambodia India Indonesia Pakistan Philippines Nepal Sri Lanka Thailand Timor-Leste

Vietnam

Concluding Observations as starting point

Initial

Report

Compilation and desk review of reports, statistics, case studies

Desk review of data on policy and other legal aspects

Pertinent researches

Interviews, Survey

Consultations:

- with Children

- with Adults Regional/Divisional consultations; Workshops

Focus Group Discussion

National level meetings with government agencies

Experts review sessions with stakeholders

National Citizen's Collective Review; Stock-taking exercises

Scorecards for Children

Formation of voluntary groups to compile and review alternative report


Annex 5. Questionnaires

5.1. Questionnaire for Civil Society Representative

Warm greetings! Plan Asia Region has commissioned a research on the achievements and barriers in monitoring and alternative reporting on the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). This questionnaire aims to validate initial findings from the desk review of relevant documents and gather information on the enablers, constraints and barriers to CRC monitoring and alternative reporting. Your answers to the following questions will help us come up with comprehensive findings and recommendations towards increasing the capacity of civil society coalitions to effectively engage in CRC monitoring and alternative reporting. There are two options for accomplishing this questionnaire:

1) Through online interview via Skype, to be scheduled within the first two weeks of September 2012;

2) Written answers to be emailed to Ms. Hope Esquillo Tura ([email protected]) on or before September 14, 2012.

Please answer the questions as complete and accurate as possible. You may add more lines if more space is needed for your answers. We also request that you share practical examples/situations and available document to corroborate your answers. Thank you in advance for taking time to answer this questionnaire.

Please provide your contact details

Country

Name

Organizational Affiliation

Designation/Position

Email

Skype or Yahoo Messenger

Contact Number

1. What would you consider as the main achievement and best practice of your coalition in CRC

monitoring and alternative reporting? _________________________________________________________________________________

43 5.1. Questionnaire for Civil Society Representative

_________________________________________________________________________________

2. What enabling/facilitating factors contributed to the main achievement and best practice? _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

3. Aside from limited funds, what barriers and stumbling blocks are experienced by your Coalition in CRC monitoring and alternative reporting process? _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

4. What are the challenges of involving children and grassroots/community-based organizations in CRC monitoring and alternative reporting processes? _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

5. From your answers in Questions 3 and 4, what would you consider the underlying cause for the challenges, barriers, and stumbling blocks? _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

6. How do you think these challenges, barriers and stumbling blocks can be addressed? _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

7. Are you aware of other national civil society coalition or organization from your country that are involved in CRC monitoring and alternative reporting? Yes No

If yes, what coordination efforts and challenges, if any, are there in coming up with a unified Alternative Report?74 _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

Thank You!

74

"NGO reports prepared by coalitions rather than individual NGOs are much more difficult to disregard or discredit and therefore tend to lend greater legitimacy to information submitted on breaches of rights." NGO Group for the CRC. 2006.


5.2. Questionnaire for Plan Country Office Focal Person

Warm greetings! Plan Asia Region has commissioned a research on the achievements and barriers in monitoring and alternative reporting on the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). This questionnaire aims to validate initial findings from the desk review of relevant documents and gather information on the enablers, constraints and barriers to CRC monitoring and alternative reporting. Your answers will help us come up with comprehensive findings and recommendations towards increasing the capacity of civil society coalitions to effectively engage in CRC monitoring and alternative reporting. There are two options for accomplishing this questionnaire:

1) Through online interview via Skype, to be scheduled within the first two weeks of September 2012;

2) Written answers to be emailed to Ms. Hope Tura ([email protected]) on or before September 14, 2012.

Please answer the following questions as complete and accurate as possible. We also request that you share practical examples/situations to corroborate your answers. You may add more lines if more space is needed for your answers. Thank you in advance for taking time to answer this questionnaire.

Please provide your contact details

Country

Name

Designation

Email

Skype

1. What support does Plan provide to national civil society coalitions for CRC monitoring and

alternative reporting? _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________

2. From your experience of working with these coalitions, what are the enablers/facilitating factors of effective CRC monitoring and alternative reporting? _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________

3. What are the constraints and key stumbling blocks to CRC monitoring and alternative reporting? _______________________________________________________________________________

45 5.2. Questionnaire for Plan Country Office Focal Person

_______________________________________________________________________________

4. From what you have seen, what are the underlying causes of these enablers, constraints and stumbling blocks? ______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________

5. Are there challenges in owning the CRC monitoring and alternative reporting process? For

instance, is there a power struggle between INGOs and local NGOs including grassroots organizations that hinders the progress of their joint efforts? Yes No If you answered Yes, please explain ______________________________________________________________________________

6. In what aspects of CRC monitoring and alternative reporting could Plan increase/strengthen its support? ______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________

7. What could Plan management do to institutionalize support for national civil society coalitions for CRC monitoring and alternative reporting? ______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________

Thank you!



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