A workshop on the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC) will be held on the 12th - 13th of April in Nuku'alofa.

The purpose of the workshop is to discuss the CRC report prior to its submission to Government for endorsement. This is the Initial Report for Tonga required under the Convention. The report will subsequently be presented to the United Nations to formalize Tonga's adoption of the CRC.

Ms Tufui Faletau, Acting Head of Policy at the Ministry of Finance and Planning said that "participants will be able to discuss and provide comments on the contents of the report. All responses will be compiled for appropriate amendment to the final report."

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is sending a high powered delegation which includes Ms Asenaca Vacagecu and Mr. Daniel Dravet. Civil Society and Government officials will also be attending the workshop.

The last CRC workshop was held in 2005 to begin dialogue on Tonga's Initial report on the CRC and a draft is now ready for comments and finalization at this week's workshop. This is a major step forward for Tonga and highlights the Government's commitment to protecting children from exploitation, abuse and violence. Ministry of Finance, 10/04/07.