Protecting vulnerable groups

Strengthening capacity to protect vulnerable groups

Description

Protecting vulnerable groups involves implementing targeted measures to safeguard individuals and communities at heightened risk of harm, discrimination, or neglect. This strategy prioritizes legal protections, access to essential services, and social support systems to address specific threats such as violence, exploitation, or exclusion. Practical actions include enforcing anti-discrimination laws, providing safe shelters, ensuring equitable healthcare and education, and empowering affected groups to participate in decision-making, thereby reducing vulnerability and promoting social inclusion.

Implementation

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities.

Claim

Where necessary, governments should promote (i) the organization of national, intercountry and interregional symposia and other meetings for exchange of information among agencies and groups concerned with the health of children, youth, women and indigenous peoples, and (ii) women's organizations, youth groups, indigenous peoples' organizations and various bodies and organizations under occupation, to facilitate health; and consult them on the creation, amendment and enforcement of legal frameworks to ensure a healthy environment for children, youth, women, indigenous peoples and people under occupation.