Every Child Counts Congratulates Dr Ian Hassall

Every Child Counts Congratulates Dr Ian Hassall

Every Child Counts* congratulates Dr Ian Hassall on receiving the international UN Aldo Farina Award in Seoul on Sunday 9th May 2010.

“Dr Hassall was a founding member of the Steering Group of Every Child Counts in 2004, where he campaigned vigorously for child to be placed at the centre of government policy and for children’s voices to be heard within the political sphere,” said Deborah Morris-Travers, Every Child Counts Project Team Member.

“Ian has been a strong leader in the child right’s movement in New Zealand, being involved in the establishment of many organisations including Child Abuse Prevention Services, What’s Up and Brainwave Trust, all of which continue to put children’s welfare and interests at the forefront of their work. He was the first Children’s Commissioner from 1989 to 1994.

“Even today, Ian continues to challenge’s society’s image and understanding of child behaviour and culture, and questions the language society uses when describing children.

“The Aldo Farina award is given bi-annually by UNICEF International to one person out of 194 countries and recognises an outstanding contribution to child rights advocacy. This award is a well-earned international recognition for a person who has never received public acknowledgement in New Zealand of his tireless championing of children; truly a prophet without honour in his own country,” concluded Ms Morris-Travers.

* Every Child Counts is a coalition of Barnardos, Plunket, UNICEF, Save the Children NZ, Te Kahui Mana Ririki and thousands of other organisations and individuals. We work to promote the status and wellbeing of children in Aotearoa New Zealand.

ENDS

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