18 November 2013

UNICEF NZ Welcomes Bold Health Select Committee Report

In a bold report released today by parliament, the Health Select Committee has made comprehensive recommendations to the government about the steps that should be taken to ensure optimal child health and prevent child abuse in Aotearoa NZ.

Deborah Morris Travers, UNICEF NZ Advocacy Manager, said. “Today’s report picks up on some important recommendations made over many years by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, UNICEF and other NGO’s regarding the leadership, coordination and investment required to ensure New Zealand children thrive.

“We welcome the report released today because it is comprehensive and covers the many of the issues impacting on child wellbeing in New Zealand.

“In particular, it is great to see the recommendation calling for the Prime Minister to accept the formal role of developing and implementing a whole-of-government, inter-agency action plan for improving outcomes for all children. This is needed to overcome policy silos and link services to provide holistic care for children.

“In numerous submissions to the government and parliament, we have called for strong political leadership – at the highest levels – and for an action plan for all children. A universal approach is required in order to prevent children from becoming vulnerable in the first place.

“The report also has an appropriate focus on the returns from investing effectively in the early years and highlights that current government investment is heavily weighted towards older New Zealanders.

“Of course, this is not the first time the government has received these recommendations. However, we hope the fact that the recommendations have come from a parliamentary committee whose chair is a member of the government, will mean government ministers take heed of the call for improved action for children and implement the recommendations.

“It is pleasing to see the Select Committee identify a variety of actions that can be taken in every area from family planning and antenatal care to reducing disadvantage and improving housing: from childhood nutrition and reducing foetal alcohol syndrome, to tobacco cessation and improving preparation for parenthood.

“We congratulate the Select Committee, particularly chairperson Dr Paul Hutchison, and advisors to the committee for producing such a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at improving the life and health of children.

“We hope this report will inform work plans for the government starting from Budget 2014,” concludes Ms Morris-Travers.

About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence.

The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS.

UNICEF is a charity funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

www.unicef.org.nz

ENDS

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