EU – First years, first priority campaign for “A fair start for every child in Europe”

Извор: WUNRN – 22.08.2021

MANIFESTO ON CHILD POVERTY & SOCIAL EXCLUSION IN THE EU:

Manifesto on Child Poverty and Social Exclusion in the EU – EAPN

https://www.eurochild.org/news/a-new-campaign-pushes-for-a-fair-start-for-every-child-in-europe/

EU FIRST YEARS, FIRST PRIORITY CAMPAIGN For “A FAIR START FOR EVERY CHILD IN EUROPE”

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There is overwhelming evidence from neuroscience on the importance of positive early childhood experiences for healthy brain development. Studies also show that children exposed to prolonged adversity in their first months and years are less equipped to cope with adversity later in life. Many of the major public health concerns experienced in adult life link to experiences during the first 1,000 days.

Despite the evidence, this stage in the life cycle receives relatively little attention in politics and public policies. Many policies impact early childhood development, but they rarely prioritize child’s best interest or tackling inequalities.

This is a time of extraordinary opportunity for systemic change across society and for prioritization of public investments that empower and strengthen vulnerable families and communities. European and national institutions need to provide concrete responses to stop the escalation of poverty and social inequality.

The Campaign focuses on prioritizing children from birth to 6 years, with a special attention to the first 1,000 days.

The Campaign is rooted in an understanding that, from the day they are born, all children are rights holders despite their dependency status. We will advocate for more political visibility and resource allocation to early childhood in general. Within that overall framework, we will focus on children who are most vulnerable such as Roma and Traveller children, children with disabilities, migrant and refugee children, children at risk of entering, or in, alternative care, and those living in extreme poverty. We will look at how policies and public investment can tackle inequalities from the earliest age.

The campaign aims to ensure early childhood development (ECD) stays high on the political agenda by building a strong community of advocates at the EU and national level. We want policy makers, in the countries engaged in the campaign and in EU institutions, to better understand how ECD promotes inclusion and to commit to adopting an integrated and multi-sectoral approach to ECD.