unemployment anddeclining livingconditions, whichhavecreated thephenomenon of streetchildren andworking, abandoned andexploited children. Armedconflicts further menace andtraumatize millions ofchildren whojointheranksofinternally displaced orrefugees. TheConvention ontheRightsoftheChildwasseenasa powerful instrument toprotect present andfuturegenerations ofchildren. A numberofdelegations announced plansfortheimminent ratification ofthe Convention. 21.Several delegations pointed outthattheunmetneedsofchildren andwomenin SouthAfricarequired special attention, andtheUNICEFproposal tosupport, from outside SouthAfrica, thosenon-racial NGOsworking forchildren andwomeninside SouthAfricawas,therefore, highlyappropriate. TheUNICEF mandate toaddress the needsofchildren everywhere mustnecessarily becarried outwithintheframework ofUnitedNations resolutions onSouthAfrica. Delegations suggested, however, thatUNICEFproceed withcaution, andtheneedfortotaltransparency andannual reporting totheBoardwerestressed. Several delegations notedwithappreciation theworkthatUNICEF haddoneinNamibia, whichhadallowed arapidresponse to children andwomeninthetransition period andimmediately afterindependence. (Seechap.IV,decision 1990/9fortherecommendation oftheCommittee asadopted bytheExecutive Board.) 22.Refined overtheyears,thecountry programming process provides UNICEFwitha uniqueopportunity toadaptBoardpolicies toeachcountry situation. Many delegations praised thequality ofthisprocess, appreciating howlessons learned frompastexperience wereincorporated effectively intocurrent programmes. Delegations provided valuable advice andguidance astofurther improvements -55-concerning specific aspects oftheprocess, especially monitoring andevaluation, costanalysis andintegrated area-based approaches. Ensuring theintegration of womenindevelopment, without neglecting men'sinvolvement, wasemphasized. Some delegations requested information onthestatusofinter-agency co-operation at headquarters andfieldlevels andurgedUNICEF tomakeevengreater efforts to integrate itsactivities intothoseoftheUnited Nations system (seechap.IV, decision 1990/21 fortherecommendation oftheCommittee asadopted bythe Executive Board). 23.Warmtributes werepaidtoUNICEFstaffworking inAfrica, oftenindifficult andsometimes dangerous circumstances. UNICEF wasurgedtoallocate adequate staff resources toAfrica toensurethattheyareofthehighest quality. TheAmericas andtheCaribbean 24.Thepresentations ofthecountry programme recommendations forBrazil and Mexico werefollowed byanoverview oftheregion bytheRegional Director. Delegations notedthedifficult circumstances facing theregion -theeconomic crisis, external debtanditsconsequences -andpraised UNICEF fortheinnovative initiatives undertaken toaddress theseproblems. Somedelegations citedspecific programmes ofco-operation suchasthoseinHaiti, theHogares deBienestar (welfare centres) and"Mother Kangaroo" (method oftreatment forpremature infants) inColombia, PROANDES intheAndean region, community kitchens inMexico andthe flexible approach inregional andsubregional programmes. Thefactthatsomeof theseprogrammes havebeenreplicated inothercountries wascommended. 25.Inviewofthehighlevels ofindebtedness facing thecountries oftheregion, theresulting effect ondevelopment andthedifficulties experienced bysome countries inattracting development assistance, therewasunanimous support forthe Special Adjustment Facility forLatinAmerica andtheCaribbean (SAFLAC) which,it wasnoted, hasbeenvaluable inresponding totheseproblems. However, one delegation queried thecriteria fortheuseofthefacility andexpressed reservations abouttheproposal toextend SAFLAC. Inresponse, thesecretariat gaveexamples ofachievements madethusfarandinformed theBoardthatamajor review ofSAFLAC tobeundertaken in1991willlookintoboththecriteria forand
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the challenges faced by children and women in various countries, particularly in Africa and Latin America, including poverty, conflict, and lack of development. It also mentions the efforts of UNICEF to address these issues through various programs and initiatives. The text highlights the need for international cooperation and support to improve the living conditions of these vulnerable populations.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Employment