UNITED NATIONS GIRLS EDUCATION INITIATIVE

Chile's basic social indicators compare favourably with other countries in the region. Although poverty has decreased in 10 years, further reductions are proving difficult. In 2002, a National Policy and Plan of Action for Children and Adolescents was launched by the Government. It has provided a framework for the protection of children rights and has raised the awareness of the authorities.

The government also launched a program named "Chile Solidario," to focus on the 20 per cent poorest households. For the first time, families will be the focus of social policies, a principle strongly advocated by UNICEF. Chile is making an important effort to expand the time children spend at the classroom through measures such as expanding the coverage of pre-school education; increasing the daily school hours; increasing compulsory education from nine to 12 school years; and improving learning skills.

The government has submitted a health reform to Parliament aimed at establishing an universal access system, reinforcing the primary health network and improving co-ordination between the different levels.

United Nations agencies have agreed with the government on the need to define additional goals from the Millennium Development Goals for Chile. These are especially related to unequal opportunities and human rights.