2nd National Conference on Orphans and Other ... - FHI 360

Adoption of definition of OVC
Ms Masabane called on volunteer committee member Doris Roos of UNICEF to report back on the
refined definition of OVC. The other members were Lucy Steinitz of CAA, Spendu Onesmus of the
MWACW and Pelucy Nfambirweki from the UNICEF Regional Office.
OVCNSC definition proposed on Day 1
OVC are children up to the age of 18 whose mother, father or both parents have died; are
affected by HIV/AIDS; are in need of care including those disadvantaged, in conflict with
the law, subject to abuse and violence.
Refined definition proposed on Day 3
An OVC in Namibia is a child under the age of 18 whose mother, father or both parents or
primary caregiver has died, and is in need of care and protection.
Explanatory notes on the refined definition
1. This definition encompasses children who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS and
others.
2. Access to OVC-related services may be extended to the age of 21 for children who are
still attending secondary school.
3. Eligibility for social and economic assistance requires a separate assessment.
Definition adopted (plenary amendments appear in italics)
An OVC in Namibia is a child under the age of 18 whose mother, father or both parents or
primary caregiver has died, and/or who is in need of care and protection.
Summary of plenary discussion on the definition
T here was a very long discussion – mainly on the question of comprehensiveness. Some
participants felt that the proposed definition was clear on orphanhood but not on vulnerability,
and that it did not cater adequately for vulnerability. Many counter-proposals were put forward. It
was eventually agreed that the amendment “and/or who is in need ...” would suffice to cover all
vulnerable children rather than just orphans, and it implies that not every orphan is in need of care
and protection. It is also gramatically correct. The participants also agreed to retain the singular
rather than phrase the definition in the plural – “OVC in Namibia are children whose ... “.
Some key points made were that: a child in need of care and protection is by definition vulnerable;
definitions of vulnerability can be found in many national and international documents, the OVC
policy document will spell out what is meant by these terms and explanatory notes on the definition
could elaborate on the terminology; the definition must be easy for people who are not English
speakers to understand; and the amended definition ties in well with the draft children’s legislation,
e.g. with regard to the age range 0 to under 18.
There was a motion to adopt the refined definition as amended, and another to let the new
OVCNSC consider the views expressed and work on the definition. It was agreed that consensus
should be reached now, and the conference adopted the refined definition as amended.
54 <strong>2nd</strong> <strong>National</strong> <strong>Conference</strong> on Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children – Windhoek, Namibia, 25-27 June 2002: Full Report