Decatur, GA — On Wednesday the city of Decatur announced it will join the UNICEF Child Friendly City Initiative.

Through the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), Decatur, in addition to 4 pilot cities and 1 county, will implement an ambitious, two-year process toward recognition as a UNICEF Child Friendly City, a press release from the city says.

“We are truly excited to enter this partnership and initiative with UNICEF USA,” Decatur Mayor Pro Tem Tony Powers said. “Our children and youth need our support more than ever as we attempt to return to normalcy after a year that left us sheltered and, in many cases, separated from friends and family. The Child Friendly Initiative will put our most vulnerable population at the table where we can be sure to prioritize their needs through a lens of equity and inclusion and social justice.”

Here’s more information, provided by the city of Decatur:

Through the CFCI Framework for Action, Decatur, along with community partners City Schools of Decatur, Decatur Education Foundation, and Decatur Housing Authority, will identify objectives under five goal areas focusing on supporting children and young people, including: safety and inclusion, children’s participation, equitable social services, safe living environments and play and leisure.

“We are thrilled to be part of a coalition of agencies working with City of Decatur on the UNICEF Child Friendly City Initiative,” said Decatur Education Foundation Executive Director Gail Rothman. “DEF’s mission has always put Decatur’s kids at the center of our work, and we share UNICEF USA’s vision of a more equitable world for every child. Decatur is well-positioned to really embrace this effort, and we look forward to working with the city and community partners on this exciting endeavor.”

Originally created in 1996, UNICEF’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative uses a child rights- based framework to build a roadmap for establishing safer, more just, equitable, inclusive and child-responsive cities and communities around the world. Since its inception, CFCI has been adopted in over 3,000 municipalities in 56 countries. UNICEF USA applauds Decatur for its commitment to using this framework to build a better community for children.

“As a resident of Decatur, I am proud of our city’s commitment toward recognition as a UNICEF Child Friendly City,” said Jeremy Cole, Managing Director, Southeast Region at UNICEF USA. “In partnership with the City of Decatur, we are dedicated to ensuring that every child has the right to grow up in a safe and secure environment where their voices are heard.”

In its pursuit of recognition as a Child Friendly City, government officials and community leaders in Decatur along with pilot cohort cities Houston, Minneapolis, San Francisco,

Johnson City, and Prince George’s County will conduct a situational analysis of child well- being in each city. Based on these findings, the communities will implement an action plan that prioritizes the best interests of children and youth within their local policies. CFCI will empower leaders to address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and systemic racism on children, work to combat discrimination and elevate their voices in local governance and decision-making.

For more information or to share any ideas you may have, email [email protected]. For more information about Child Friendly Cities Initiative in the United States, visit www.unicefusa.org/mission/usa/childfriendlycities.

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