New Delhi, June 05: Government today gave its nod for ratification of the Saarc convention on regional arrangements for the promotion of child welfare in South Asia. The approval for ratification of the convention aimed at providing basic services for child survival and development has been given by the Government, an official spokesperson said here after a meeting of the Union Cabinet.

He said the Saarc child welfare convention was signed by the foreign ministers of the member countries including India on January 5, 2002 in Kathmandu.

Its early ratification will convey India's commitment both to the Saarc process and also to the welfare of children, which is gaining worldwide attention, he pointed out.

The purpose and objects of the convention's "consensus document" are to unite the signatory countries to facilitate development and protection of the full potential of children in South Asia and to assist each other in these fields, he added.

Under the convention, regional priorities shall be to provide basic services like education, health-care, prevention of diseases and nutrition "as cornerstones of child survival and development", he said.

The signatories are also to ensure that the national laws offer full protection to the child from any discrimination, neglect or other forms of exploitation.

Bureau Report