The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies at the international level, and the world's National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies at the national level, are profoundly concerned about the situation confronting children.
Despite some progress made over these past years and the commitments set out in the 2002 declaration "A world fit for children" there are still too many instances where children face discrimination. The harsh reality is that children's rights are being consistently violated in every country. These violations are compounded by ignorance, discrimination and the abuse of power.
The Secretary-General's report and the statements of many governments here in this debate, remind us that children all over the world are being bought and sold, exploited and abused, harmed and orphaned.
The Secretary-General's report also points to the progress made through partnerships and the Declaration of this high-level meeting calls for "broader and more focused partnerships".
Two weeks ago at the 30th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent governments and the Red Cross Movement took up this same issue. In the final declaration adopted by the Conference we committed to intensifying operational interaction and partnerships whenever there is a clear benefit for the victims and the most vulnerable.
At our Conference we recalled that National Societies are created by acts of government legislation to be auxiliary in the humanitarian field on the basis of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and as such are the natural preferred partners for national governments.
It is clear that the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is well placed to work in close cooperation with governments to meet the many humanitarian challenges before us.
It is time that the strength of the national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies and our international network be drawn more effectively into action-focused local, national and global partnerships to ensure children their legitimate rights, especially as concerns their health and safety.
Violence against children is an issue of high priority to Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies. Our children are now living in a world where violence is commonplace; it confronts them in their homes, schools, institutions, workplaces and communities.
I will offer you these examples of the actions of Red Cross societies:
First, there is the Canadian Red Cross and it's RespectED: Violence and Abuse Prevention program through which it aims to reduce and prevent violence against children through education and by developing comprehensive risk management plans. Over 3.5 million children and adults have participated in this program.
Second, in West Africa the Sierra Leone and Liberia Red Cross societies are two national societies with important programs assisting young people who are survivors of the recent wars in that region. Through these programs the Red Cross assists young people to set aside their animosity and reintegrate into their communities.
While these are encouraging examples it is not enough.
Action in many more countries is essential.
Working in partnership is key.
Let me now turn to the situation of HIV. According to UNAIDS recent reports the number of children living with HIV has increased from 1.5m in 2001 to 2.5m in 2007 and nearly 90% of all HIV positive children are living in sub Saharan Africa.
In recognition of the worldwide impact of HIV, the IFRC is scaling up its effort in everywhere in support of national HIV and AIDS programmes. We are determined to reduce vulnerability to HIV and its impact.
On World AIDS Day in December 2006, we committed to doubling by 2010 the number of people in Red Cross Red Crescent programming in targeted communities.
So far, more than 60 National Societies are scaling up their action to prevent further HIV infection, to expand treatment, care and support, and to reduce stigma and discrimination.
The growing capacity of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies is encouraging.
But it can never be enough.
It is very clear that the size of the threats posed by violence against children and HIV are such that no one government or organisation can meet them alone.
Partnerships are essential.
In closing, President, we would urge all governments to recall the commitment made only two weeks ago at the International Red Cross and Red Crescent conference in Geneva.
Partnering with Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies is an important action which must be taken to tackle the enormous challenges facing children at local levels.
Our joined up action at the local community level can really make a difference in the lives of many thousands of children today, tomorrow and the many more tomorrows to come.