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The ECA revamps Brazil's antiquated
correctional and repressive legislation and calls for a complete transformation of
it's child welfare system. Helped by groups such as the Faith and Joy Foundation
of Brazil (Fundaoa Fee Alegria do Brasil)--which participate at in the design of
Brazil's child welfare system and maintain a high quality standard for youth services--the
ECA ratifies the principles set forth by the United Nations Convention on the Rights
of the Child. America's Watch, a U.S.-based non-profit organization, stated:
"Brazil enjoys some of the most progressive legislation on children's rights
in the world. Its implementation, however, has been a very difficult task for the
Brazilian society."
To safeguard its own enactment, the ECA mandates the creation of federal, state,
and municipal councils for the rights of children and adolescents, as well as municipal
guardianship councils. However, most of these municipal councils have not been equipped
to effectively improve services for children of the poor. This is due to a variety
of reasons:
- In spite of a balanced distribution
of government and non-government representatives in the councils, there is still
a need for more active participation in the civil society.
- City councils must have more
knowledge of the ECA and wider access to information and training in order to influence
positive change and adapt model programs.
- Lack of commitment on the part
of conservative forces and/or insufficient information in the senate and local governments
has caused delays and hampered the implementation process.
The legal advancements brought about by the ECA represent a realistic step toward
hope for all children and families in Brazil. However, progressive laws do not necessarily
mean immediate improvement in the lives of children. Political action cannot end
with the passage of legislation. Full enactment of the ECA will be made possible
only by a strong commitment of all sectors of society. As UNICEF points out,
"Any effort to promote children's rights should strive for broad public awareness
and debate. Once the general public is concerned about children's rights, political
leaders understand the importance of giving them priority."
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