specific fieldsandprogrammes andtorespond morereapidly toproblems ofmothers andchildren. Greatimportance wasattached totheroleofNGOsbecause theywere closertopopulations andinabetterposition torecognize theirneeds. In addition, NGOswereabletobettermonitor activities andgatherinformation. 103.Somedelegations suggested thatNGOscouldmakeanimportant contribution to theproblem ofchildren inespecially difficult circumstances byhelping toeducate thegeneral pUblic onthevarious aspects ofthatissue.Itwaspointed outthat -16- because oftheirexperimental andinnovative nature andindependence, NGOswere abletoplayanessential roleinthesuccessful projects forstreetchildren in theLatinAmerica region. 104.UNICEF wasrequested todrawupontheexperience ofNGOsworking forthe socio-economic empowerment ofpoorfamilies andtohelpmobilize greater support frommenforMCHprogrammes. 105.TheBoardrequested theExecutive Director totransmit thereportofthe1986 NGOForumreporttotheILOGoverning Council andencouraged theNGOCommittee on UNICEFtoorganize similar NGOForumsinthefutureatthetimeofBoardsessions. International YearofPeace 106.ItwasnotedthattheNobelPeacePrizeconferred aspecial responsibility on UNICEFinsofarasobservance oftheInternational YearofPeace(IYP)was concerned, forchildren's enjoyment oftheirrightscouldbeguaranteed only through theattainment ofpeaceanddisarmament. Itwassignificant thatIYP coincided withthefortieth anniversary ofUNICEF, sincepeaceandthefateof children wereinextricably linked. TheUnitedNations initiative inlaunching IYP andpromoting otheractivities tostrengthen international co-operation and development waswarmly welcomed. Several delegations emphasized theimportance of disarmament, whichwouldrelease vastresources thatcouldbeusedfortheprogress ofmankind. Unfortunately, duringtheYear,itwasnotedthatarmedconflict existed in40countries withwhichUNICEFco-operates. fOlicy review 107.TheBoardrequested thatboththeexpanded acrivities inAfrica andthe question ofwomenindevelopment should bediscussed intheProgramme Committee. Thediscussions canbefoundinparagraphs 125-138 andparagraphs 153-162 below, respectively. Children inespecially difficult circumstances 108.Manydelegations suggested thatUNICEFshouldconcentrate itsefforts primarily onadvocacy ofprogrammes forchildren inespecially difficult circumstances, leaving theimplementation toGovernments andvoluntary agencies. Suchadvocacy, inaccordance withitsmandate, andcarried outwithintheUnited Nations system, wouldgiveUNICEF apivotal roleinsuchassistance efforts. 109.Itwaspointed outthatthecurrent financial situation ofUNICEFprecluded undertaking anylargeprogrammes forstreetchildren. Somedelegations were pleased toseethatUNICEF hadchosennottolaunch anewprogramming thrustfor thosechildren butrathertobuildgradually onthesuccess ofexisting programmes. 110.Several Boardmembers advised UNICEFtoexpand onitsexperience withstreet children (especially inLatinAmerica) toachieve amoreeffective programme of co-operation withGovernments andNGOs.Existing projects forstreetchildren formed asolidbaseonwhichtoestablish advocacy, information exchange systems andcapacity-building withintheconcerned countries. Approaches toproblems at thenational levelhadtocomefromorganizations inthecountries concerned. UNICEFshouldserveasacatalyst, providing professionals, NGOsandvoluntary agencies involved inchildcarewiththebasicinformation required inorderto support programme andfund-raising activities. -17- Ill.Itwasnotedthatwhilethereport onthesubject couldnotinitselfbreak thecycleofviolence andeconomic exploitation inwhichmanychildren werecaught itdidprovide awarning totheinternational community oftheenormous potential socialcostofsuchasituation. 112.Giventhevariety ofproblems facedbydifferent countries andthediffering levelsofawareness, UNICEFshouldassist theminanalyses ofthesituation. NGOs couldhelpbyeducating thegeneral public ontheimportant issues. 113.TheBoardemphasized thatthedrafting ofaconvention ontherightsofthe childshould beconcluded without further delayandrequested UNICEFtoparticipate inthedrafting, asappropriate. Boardmembers wereencouraged tohelpdrafters reachanearlyconclusion, andtheExecutive Director wasrequested tokeepthe
**Analysis**
The text primarily focuses on the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and its efforts to promote the welfare of children, particularly those in difficult circumstances. The discussion revolves around the organization's programs, policies, and partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to address issues such as poverty, violence, and economic exploitation. The text also touches on the importance of disarmament, peace, and international cooperation.

**Category**
Health, Humanitarian aid and relief