South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children [SAIEVAC] SAARC Apex Body Ref. No: SAIEVAC/PLNe/112
Date: 10th August, 2014
Reference for PLAN Netherlands The SAIEVAC Regional Secretariat considers it a privilege to extend our support to the application of PLAN Netherlands in its bid to develop a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Netherlands, for receiving funding support in the area of lobbying and advocacy. This reference is provided based on our valuable and productive collaboration and working experience with PLAN International since SAIEVAC was established as regional entity for children. SAIEVAC (South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children) is the South Asian response to the global call by the UN Secretary General to end Violence Against Children. Awarded the status of a SAARC Apex Body for Children in 2011 during the 17th SAARC Summit, SAIEVAC is the only inter-‐ governmental initiative in the world that has created an inclusive platform for governments, children, civil society organizations (CSOs) and UN/INGO partners to collectively drive the South Asian movement to end violence against children and create a better world for children in the SAARC Region. SAIEVAC spearheads the South Asian movement for children with the vision that all children, girls and boys, throughout South Asia enjoy their right to an environment free from all forms of violence, abuse, exploitation, neglect and discrimination. SAIEVAC is mandated to promote and implement a systems-‐building approach to strengthen child protection across the region and primarily addresses five key thematic areas (child marriage, corporal punishment, child labor, sexual abuse and exploitation of children and child trafficking) and associated strategic actions. In this endeavor, PLAN International continues to be one of SAIEVAC’s important partners in the South Asian region since 2010. As the Co-‐chair of the South Asia Coordinating Group on Action against Violence against Children (SACG), PLAN has been very closely associated with the whole process of institutionalization and expansion of SAIEVAC within the SAARC Region. Besides its role at the regional level, PLAN country offices in five SAARC member states also play very constructive roles with the SAIEVAC National mechanisms particularly the National Action and Coordinating Groups on Action against Violence against Children (NACGs), the platform for CSOs and UN/INGO partners to move the VaC agenda forward. PLAN continues to support SAIEVAC and the South Asian Region in areas such as technical human resources( Child Protection and Advocacy and Communication), the Missing Child Alert Project on Cross Border Child Trafficking, strengthening the capacity and participation of CSOs in the SAIEVAC mechanisms, research on mapping/documentation of positive caring practices for children and the finalization of the Regional Action Plan to End Child Marriage. Plan is also an active partner among other SACG agencies in promoting and institutionalizing Child participation in the SAIEVAC mechanism. Through this initiative, SAIEVAC has made significant progress in advancing child participation principles and approaches by involving children to voice their views and opinions through regional forums to secure their own rights. PLAN’s lead role over the years in supporting SAIEVAC with other SACG agencies to stage the Technical Consultations in showcasing themes that are priorities for South Asian children and in holding regular consultations of the NACGs have made critical difference moving the SAIEVAC mission forward. The fact that PLAN continues to support a major part of our regional advocacy South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children [SAIEVAC] Regional Secretariat GPO 5850, House No. 122 Sujan Marg, K.M.C. - 2, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: +977-1-4001685, 4001602; E-mail: info@saievac.org; Website: www.saievac.org
South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children [SAIEVAC] SAARC Apex Body and communication initiative covering almost all thematic priorities (Child Marriage, Child labour, Sexual abuse and Exploitation, Trafficking) is reason enough for SAIEVAC to extend our support to PLAN Netherlands in its application for funding from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In conclusion, PLAN has in the last few years emerged as a critical partner in the SAARC region with its close alliance with SAIEVAC to address the key focus areas for which it is applying for funding. SAIEVAC is confident that PLAN’s application will receive a very favourable consideration. I am available to provide any further information. Name of the Representative: Dr. Rinchen Chophel Designation: Director General Organization: SAIEVAC Regional Secretariat Email: rinchen.chophel@saievac.org Office Address: SAIEVAC Regional Secretariat, GPO 5850, House No. 122, Sujan Marg, K.M.C. -‐ 2, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal; +977-‐1-‐4001685, 4001602; www.saievac.org
South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children [SAIEVAC] Regional Secretariat GPO 5850, House No. 122 Sujan Marg, K.M.C. - 2, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: +977-1-4001685, 4001602; E-mail: info@saievac.org; Website: www.saievac.org