The South Asian Report on the Child-friendliness of Governments South Asian Report On the Child-friendliness of Governments

The report Inspired by the African Report on Child Wellbeing (2008) Objective look on South Asian governments and other actors’ contribution to child-friendly societies – authoritative sources, neutral language, non-judgemental indicators Progress measured at both country and regional level Composite index and rankings – two main dimensions (legal & policy and outcomes) across six themes Index data complemented by – detailed country-level information, chapter on child budgeting and the views of prominent CR defenders Key information for government action and learning – designed as a tool for governments Source for non-governmental advocacy South Asian Report On the Child-friendliness of Governments

Methodology Strong project management – Desk studies, external partners, researchers and reviewers Use of authoritative sources verified at multiple levels to ensure accuracy New legal & policy indicators developed, outcome indicators selected from UN sources Judgemental indicators avoided – focus on measurability and comparability Equal weight given to indicators, themes and dimensions of the index – a sum total of efforts South Asian Report On the Child-friendliness of Governments

Overall index results All countries have made important progress in most of the six index themes India scores best on establishing an enabling legal and policy framework, followed closely by Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka Maldives, Bhutan and Sri Lanka score best on provision of child-related outcomes Overall, Sri Lanka has the highest score in the child- friendliness index South Asian Report On the Child-friendliness of Governments

Composite index South Asian Report On the Child-friendliness of Governments

Key regional progress and challenges 1. Basic enabling framework of laws, policies and institutions established – GMIs, participation and non-state actors 2. Remarkable progress in education and health, though less in child protection – mortality, enrolment, child marriage & birth registr. 3. Increased interaction and synergies with civil society 1. Implementation mechanisms often lack power to create change – coordination/authority, legal enforceability, funding, child- friendliness 2. A strong enabling framework not as good as expected at ensuring good education, health and protection outcomes – malnutrition, quality of education, child marriage & birth registr. South Asian Report On the Child-friendliness of Governments

Conclusion and lessons learnt Post-launch follow-up – Results in Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Norway and other countries Follow-up study necessary Lessons learnt – Strong project leadership important – Objective, factual approach = good reception of report – Focus on achievements = cooperation to realise children’s rights – Space and opportunities for dialogue with politicians, bureaucrats and other key actors South Asian Report On the Child-friendliness of Governments