Improving Children’s Lives, Transforming the Future – 25 years of Child Rights in South Asia

Despite rapid economic growth in South Asia, strong inequalities persist and children pay a heavy price. This publication examines latest trends and data on children in the eight countries of the region. It highlights what has been achieved in the 25 years since the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child – and what remains to be done. Over the past quarter-century, South Asia has made impressive progress towards realizing child rights. But there is more to be done – millions of children are still unable to live in dignity, reach their full potential or make choices about their future. This book presents data on key aspects of child well-being – child protection, health, nutrition, education, sanitation and gender – highlighting proven innovations and suggesting policies to realize the rights of all children in South Asia. It argues that fulfilling children’s rights equitably is crucial to the region’s future.