Jordyn Arndt
Adviser
U.S. Mission to the United Nations
New York, New York
October 25, 2019
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Chair.
We thank you, Special Rapporteur Bhoola, for your report in which you describe a range of complex and interrelated causes that facilitate child slavery. The U.S. government recognizes, as do you, that adversity may be a factor leading to heightened vulnerability. The United States is committed, through the “U.S. Government Action Plan on Children in Adversity,” to helping ensure that every child can thrive within protective, loving families. That Plan provides a comprehensive approach to international assistance for the world’s most vulnerable children. These include children who are living outside of family care, including orphans, victims of human trafficking, and those exploited for child labor or recruited as soldiers, as well as those affected by HIV/AIDS and humanitarian crises. Under this plan, The U.S. government aligns our foreign assistance on behalf of vulnerable children, working towards three broad objectives: increasing the number of children reaching their full development potential through adequate health, nutrition, and family support; reducing those living outside of family care; and reducing those exposed to violence, exploitation, abuse, and neglect.
Through its complementary strategy on “Advancing Protection and Care for Children in Adversity,” the United States targets its foreign assistance investments to protect and care for children, including in the areas of health, education, nutrition, and humanitarian response. The Strategy emphasizes strengthening families, recognizing that nurturing family care is essential for the development, protection, and safety of children.
To close with a question, the Special Rapporteur recommends including anti-slavery provisions in broader policies on education, social protection, and labor (para. 81 (l)). Are there any recent examples of successes in this area?
Thank you.
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