The implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child: global commitments and local realities.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the World Health Organization Alma Ata Declaration of Health for All by 2000. The inherent rights of all children include accessible, affordable and quality health care and protection from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and maltreatment. In 2000 PNG is challenged in implementing the CRC and has deferred achievement of targets in the Alma Ata declaration until 2010. Constraints to CRC implementation include lack of public awareness about the Convention, even among people whose work directly relates to child issues; deterioration in many essential social services; massive social change; and decentralization of health care systems without adequate accompanying support. New health problems, including alcohol and drug abuse and AIDS, now face many children and adolescents, but the problems that have existed for generations, particularly acute respiratory infections, tuberculosis and malnutrition, have not yet been dealt with. It is unlikely that primary health services can be rebuilt as they were 20 years ago and for most children throughout PNG the basic right of access to quality health care is not a reality. Programs for training village-based child health and child protection workers, who are volunteers and who are integrated into the loose health network that currently exists, would fill some of the gaps. More recognition and funding are needed from governments for church and non-government organizations involved in successful existing maternal and child health programs. There needs to be a substantial public awareness program on child rights, establishment of a mandated national coordinating body and a realistic timetable for CRC implementation. Both political will and administrative action are desperately needed.