UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
THE UNFINISHED BUSINESS
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UNICEF Supply Division
hildren’s rights are human rights. It doesn’t matter where children live, what language they speak, whether they are boys or girls, what their culture is, whether they have a disability or whether they are rich or poor – every child has an inherent set of rights. This includes access to clean water, access to education and freedom from violence, among other things. All these rights are enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child – an international treaty agreed to by 196 countries.
Tangible and integrated Children’s rights do not exist on their own. They must be made tangible and integrated into sustainable ways of working. Supplies for children are a direct realisation of child rights. This is where UNICEF steps in. Traditionally, UNICEF has worked with governments to strengthen, promote and uphold children’s rights, which are also a critical component of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. But the responsibility to protect these rights lies equally with the private sector. As businesses grow in global reach and influence, their practices and supply chains increasingly have an impact on children’s rights, growth and development. Business practices may directly affect children – e.g. through child labour – or address children’s rights through support for their parents – e.g. through parental leave policies. Quality, availability and affordability of the right products for children is key to realise children’s rights and can be live saving – e.g. through vaccines. In partnership with UNICEF, businesses in Denmark can make a positive impact on the rights of children and young people here and across the globe.
Partnering with suppliers As the world leader in the provision of humanitarian assistance to children and their families, it is important to UNICEF to partner with suppliers and other businesses that recognise international human rights standards for children, including through each stage of the supply chain. In Copenhagen, UNICEF operates the world’s largest humanitarian aid warehouse. When children’s rights are at risk because of a disaster or conflict, UNICEF ships essential lifesaving supplies to where they are needed most. In Yemen, UNICEF sends essential medicines to health clinics and hospitals in areas blocked by conflict. In the Philippines after a major typhoon, UNICEF provides children with backpacks, notebooks and pencils so that they can attend school. In South Sudan, UNICEF delivers drinking water to remote communities and helps people build protected wells to avoid falling ill from contaminated water. To support children’s rights in these ways, UNICEF strives to work with suppliers and service providers who implement policies with their impact on children in mind.
Empowering parents Ways in which UNICEF’s business partners can promote human rights directly can start with policies that allow parents to care
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for and nurture their children. In Indonesia, UNICEF has worked with palm oil producers to make it easier for female migrant workers to have time to care for their children. In Vietnam, UNICEF has engaged the footwear and garment industry to improve conditions for adolescent workers and strengthen community initiatives that promote quality housing, education and child care. And in Egypt, UNICEF has worked with businesses to modify parental care expectations and give children more quality time with their fathers.
Protecting the environment Protecting the environment also has a major impact on children’s rights. UNICEF is taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint through a shift toward procuring supplies locally and sustainably. This supports children’s rights by improving household incomes and producing less pollution, which can improve children’s economic access to education and nutritious foods. Even in war-torn countries likes Syria, UNICEF has been able to source 70 percent of life-saving supplies from within the country. These practices build the economies of local communities and strengthen children’s rights through healthier and safer environments. UNICEF continues to be at the forefront of ensuring the protection and promotion of children’s rights around the world. Through greater partnership with the private sector, including through child-centred business practices and sustainable procurement, children’s rights will be reinforced and strengthened.
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