THE year 2000 saw the birth of some 129 million children it also saw the death of almost 11 million children under five, most from easily preventable causes,such as long-foreseen droughts, food shortages and wars.

Today millions of children lead safer, healthier and fuller lives than they did before the adoption of the Convention of the Rights of the Child in 1989 and the World Summit for Children in 1990. But for many children,2000 was still another year of wasteful policies and avoidable wars.

In September 2001, the first ever General Assembly of the UN especially devoted to children will agree on a plan of action to ensure that every child has the best start in life.

May I thank readers for their supportand ask for your continued backing during the coming year.

Diana Hawkins - London Regional Officer, UNICEF

23 Sidwell Avenue, Benfleet, Essex SS7 1LF