Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Fit for Children Network – A Concept Note

Children’s rights matter in Small Island Development States (SIDS), where high levels of social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities co-exist. In 2007, a UNICEF organizational review expanded upon the recommendation that UNICEF should further invest in strategic thinking, knowledge management, and continued learning for enhanced programme results. Building on this recommendation, the UNICEF Offices in the Eastern Caribbean and Pacific have initiated dialogue on the establishment of a “Community of Practice” to share experiences and create learning opportunities for UNICEF as well as respective country and sub-regional partners. The paper outlines how both UNICEF offices, with support from their respective regional offices, can jointly focus on the progressive fulfilment of children’s rights in SIDS, building on the Convention of the Rights of the Child, but also on the Mauritius Strategy, thematic exchanges and joint short and long term results.