MECC Participates in the WCC Interregional Consultation on Churches Promoting the Dignity of Children, in Bangkok, September 21-23, 2006
This Consultation held from 21-23, 2006 focused onViolence against Children, MECC/Justice, Peace and Human Rights Program Coordinator attended the event and presented a paper on the factors that lead to violence against children (religious, economic, political and social) from a Middle Eastern perspective. The paper was based on the synthesis of the outcome of the JPHR program activities for the rights of children, Palestinian and Iraqis and those living in conflict situations in the Middle East in general.
Although this event addressed issues of children and the violence they are subject to, it did not spare participants from witnessing the psychological violence during their trip which coincided with the recent coup, and be part of the general l atmosphere of political unrest in Bangkok.
Participants who came from different regions were able to discuss a UN Study on children at risk and violence against children and the challenges for the Churches in protecting children from violence.
A message was issued at the end of the meeting addressing violence against children and proposing mechanisms that churches and others civil society organizations could undertaken together to eradicate the root causes of violence.
Middle East Council of Churches Office of International Ecumenical Relations P.O. Box 5376, Beirut, Lebanon
Guirgis Ibrahim Saleh, General Secretary
mecc@cyberia.net.lb or guirgissaleh@cyberia.net.lb
+961-1-353-938 http://www.mec-churches.org/