The midtime report of the UN Secretary General from 2 July 2007 describes progresses in the implementation of the MDGs, most of which are directly or indirectly concerning the living conditions of children; at the same time the report stresses that much remains to be done in order to reach the goals for 2015.

To enact rights of children and by that express respect and appreciation towards children not only leads to foster the full capacity of children, but also to prepare them for an active role in society including active participation.

During the `Joint Hearing: Towards an EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child´ (Brussels, 17 April 2007) it became visible that the EU seeks for concrete paths of a participation for children; youths from `Plan´ and `Save the Children´ had the chance to present their visions of participation in decision making processes.

Moreover, in Europe and around the world `children´s parliaments´ have been established. There children may experience and develop their own decision making processes, get into contact with solutions to virulent themes of their living situations and their possible role in society.

For the S.E.R. Foundation, which promotes children and youth projects with priority, the rights of children have become a new focal point of its activities. Representatives of the Foundation attended conferences in New York and Geneva, sometimes also in Brussels and sessions of the Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva. Thus, as a base for statements, they are informed about recent developments and get in contact with UN officials. The Foundation will also be represented at the International Symposium on `Childhood and Society´ from 25 to 27 October in Bregenz, Austria.

In charge of Human Rights in Germany:
Felicitas Hoffmann