That said, not all countries have embraced the significance of the slum targets and the catalytic role embodied in the goals of the United Nations Millennium Declaration.

European citizens have already shown a sense of responsibility and capacity for sacrifice, but they should know why hope in the form of higher employment and living standards is not futile.

I submit this ninth annual report of mine in accordance with the Charter and in the hope that, through our collective efforts, the dream of a more secure, prosperous and just world embodied in the Charter will become a reality for all.

Nevertheless, it remains concerned about traditional attitudes towards children and adolescents in society and that children, as well as many professionals working with and for them, are not sufficiently aware of the Convention and the rights based approach enshrined therein.