Report No. 259

I. Zero Draft: Sustainable Development Goals.

2.12.1 The Co-Chairs of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals of UN Millennium Campaign have released their much anticipated Zero Draft, which contains a proposal for goals and targets to succeed 24 the Millennium Development Goals in 2015. Among other ambitious objectives it also aims to end hunger, achieve food security and adequate nutrition for all, and promote sustainable agriculture, attain healthy life for all at all ages, provide equitable and inclusive quality education and life-long learning opportunities for all.25

24 Post 2015 Development Agenda - available at
https://www.worldwewant2015.org/node/442161

25 Targets under Zero Draft: Sustainable Development Goals -

Target 2.2 - End malnutrition in all its forms, including under nutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and obesity and overweight, with special attention to reducing stunting by 40% and wasting to less than 5% in children less than 5 years of age by 2025, and address the nutritional needs of pregnant and lactating women

Target 3.1 - By 2030 reduce the maternal mortality ratio to less than 40 per 100,000 live births 3.2 by 2030 end preventable newborn, infant and under-five deaths

Target 4.1 - By 2030 ensure all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes

Target 4.2 - By 2030 ensure equal access for all to affordable quality tertiary education and life-long learning

Target 5.3 - Eliminate all harmful practices, including child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilations

2.12.2 These global proclamations encourage States to form a comprehensive framework of policies and laws to ensure that rights of children are promoted and implemented. From the point of view of the right to ECD, these conventions and declarations do not adopt a specific definition of the word 'child' that would focus on very young children. However, their conceptualization and objectives set standards for our nation to achieve for a healthier overall development of our children. This must include a focus on early childhood development, which is particularly lacking in our legal system.