Cooperation with the UN CRC and CR connect as a mechanism for civil society to engage Governments to fulfill its international obligations

Introduction The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC, 1989) has established monitoring and reporting mechanism for Governments in area of implementation of the Convention in national legislation and follow up... [ view full abstract ]

Introduction
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC, 1989) has established monitoring and reporting mechanism for Governments in area of implementation of the Convention in national legislation and follow up procedures. Besides State-parties, Child Rights Connect (former NGO Group for CRC) offers a guidance and support Civil Society, non-governmental organizations (NGO) and NGO Coalitions to submit Alternate Report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (UN CRC).

Description of Innovation and Best Practice
In 2010 the Coalition of CRPCI/CCWF (USA) and Ponimanie (Belarus) has submitted Technical Supplement to 3-4th United State Party Periodical Report of Belarus to the UN CRC. Technical Supplement was about Article 19, related articles, and GC-13. Methodologically Technical Supplement was based on MERSCI Tool (Svevo-Cianci, 2008). CR Connect supported representatives of Coalition to present the Technical Supplement to the Committee, and protect it during the 58th Session of the Committee in 2010-2011. Dialogue with the Chair, Reporter, and Members of the Committee allowed explaining local pequliarities and promote relevant paragraphs of Concluding Observations to the State-Party after review of Periodical Report. Following to Concluding Observations, promoted paragraphs on 1) Child Helpline Belarus launch; 2) Establishment of Child-friendly Procedures for Child-victims of Crime; and 3) Strengthening of Partnership of Government and Civil Society in Protection of Children; - were included in National Plan of Action adjusted in Belarus for 2012-2016. Ponimanie, using MERSCI Tool, continues monitoring of implementation Art. 19, and states significan progress towards promoted paragraphs.

Conclusion.
1. There is effective mechanism to bring civil society voice to the UN CRC.
2. Mechanism works excellent, especially with Governments neglecting the role of civil society.
3. NGO/Coalition has to be responsible to implement/lobby and monitor further at national level all measures promoted at Concluding Observations and recommended by the Committee.