State of the Union Overlooks Children in Need
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 29, 2008
WASHINGTON - Last night’s State of the Union address was a missed opportunity to bring the world’s attention to the plight of orphans and vulnerable children in developing countries, according to Global Action for Children (GAC). GAC is a nonpartisan coalition advocating on behalf of these children who, because of their high vulnerability, are susceptible to HIV and other diseases, recruitment by militias and violent extremist groups, sex trafficking, and a host of other abuses.
GAC Executive Director Jennifer Delaney issued the following statement:
"Last night, we missed a golden opportunity to reflect on the 2.7 million children who have been helped though PEPFAR, and how we could be doing more. Through PEPFAR, President Bush increased funding for orphans and vulnerable children from $30 million to the current $288.9 million, and passed the 2005 Orphans Bill. We hope the next President builds on this and understands the importance of supporting these children and the communities that care for them, and the goodwill it brings from our neighbors around the globe.
"Global Action for Children and its coalition partners continue to strongly urge the U.S. government to appoint a full time high-level Special Advisor for Orphans and Vulnerable Children and office to coordinate efforts among the agencies. To ensure the United States is being as effective as possible, the government needs a comprehensive strategy for action, better coordination among agencies, and tracking and reporting systems.
"I hope our next President will also recognize that by making the world a better place for orphans and highly vulnerable children, we also make it a safer place for all children. It is just the right thing to do."
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Global Action for Children is a nonpartisan, results-oriented coalition advocating for expanded funding and improved policy for orphans and highly vulnerable children living in the developing world.
View GAC’s Platform for the World’s Children, which offers guidelines for the next U.S. President on improving the lives of children around the world.
