United Nations Radio

UNICEF - the UN children's agency has played a leading role in encouraging legal reform to realize children's rights.

That's what the agency's Executive Director Anne Veneman (photo) told a two-day conference on making legal systems work to achieve children's and women's rights taking place here in New York.

Ms. Veneman says the meeting represents a step toward bringing together key actors engaged in legislative reform initiatives - and launching discussions on how to formalize these initiatives into a coordinated effort to advance human rights.

"The adoption and effective implementation of laws and policies provide the basis for protecting children from violence and promoting their survival, education and development."

Ms. Veneman says legislation also helps promote gender equality and empower women who are better able to raise healthy and educated children who can lead independent and productive lives as adults.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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