UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Jessica Lange asks parliamentarians to join her in protecting the world's children

From left to right: Mr J. Judd, Mr E. Jackson, Ms J. Lange, Mr A.B. Johnsson et Mr S. Páez

At the 110th IPU Assembly in Mexico City, the IPU and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) jointly unveiled a Handbook for Parliamentarians on Child Protection. The Handbook was officially presented by the IPU President, Sergio Páez Verdugo and Jessica Lange, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, who launched a special appeal to the world's parliamentarians. Interview:

Q: What is your assessment of the situation of children in the world?
Jessica Lange : In the countries represented at this Assembly there are altogether some 40 million children below the age of 15 who are victims of abuse and neglect, and who need health care and welfare services. Some 246 million children work, and 300 000 are suffering from the worst forms of exploitation in armed conflicts in over 30 countries. It is estimated that more than 2 million children died as a result of armed conflict in the 1990s alone.

Ms Jessica Lange

Q: What do you expect from parliamentarians? How can they help?
J.L. : I think we have to work from the very highest level all the way down to ensure a protective environment for children. Of course, for parliamentarians, this means enacting laws that protect children, that ensure their safety, health and well-being and their right to education. Parliaments should provide the resources necessary in support of social programmes that enable this to happen, so that children are able to attend school and families are able to support their children, keeping them off the streets and out of the work force. The possibility of exploitation must be eliminated. Where children are exploited, parliaments must make sure that laws are enforced and that the maximum penalties are consistently applied.

Q: So you are asking them to be your ally?
J.L. : To put it in a word, yes.

A panel on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children took place on the occasion of the 110th IPU Assembly. Debates stressed the urgency to combat this scourge that affects more than two million children every year and highlighted the key role parliamentarians can play in creating the necessary political and legislative environment to combat CSEC, and to facilitate the recovery and reintegration of child victims. Panellists included US actress Jessica Lange and UNICEF representatives, members of parliament from Namibia, Philippines and the United Kingdom, and of a non governmental organization.