Newsletter Editorial

We are pleased to highlight several collaborative projects in our effort to create a network of participants interested in addressing the rights and wellbeing of children worldwide. We are delighted to announce the launch of our partner site equidadparalainfancia.org, which focuses on child rights, poverty and development issues facing youth in Latin America. Equidad para la Infancia America Latina is an initiative of The New School and the ARCOR Institute that seeks to foster public debate about reform and change in the hemisphere, with the promotion of multiple voices.

On Nov. 12th, the Graduate Program of Social Service at Fordham University hosted an event to launch the new Equity for Children website and promote  a partnership in support of an interdisciplinary response to child rights, children's wellbeing and their protection. It brought together New School and Fordham University graduate students, academics and aid workers to highlight the continued plight and lack of visibility faced by children not only in developing countries, but also in countries like the US. We hope to continue to build upon the momentum created at this meeting and to expand our network of reserachers and practitioners into a collaborative dialogue that addresses the needs of children.

November 20th marked the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Individuals and organizations throughout the world marked the day with events and celebrations. It is notable that of the two remaining countries to ratify the treaty, only the US remains to still ratify the convention. UNICEF and the New School hosted a compelling series of films as part of an International Child Rights Documentary Film Festival, which showcased the perspective and participation of children. UNICEF also released its landmark State of the World's Children 2009, with a special focus on children's rights.

We hope you will enjoy the featured research, participatory video and photography projects on the website  In response to the recognized vulnerability of children  and adolescent girls worldwide, in the following months the website will be dedicated to  exploring the crucial rights and needs of adolescent girls.

As always, I look forward to hearing your feedback, thoughts and suggestions.

Best Wishes,
Alberto Minujin
Director