in its first stage of development, it was reported Monday on Universal Children's Day.

A Government spokesman said the National Committee on the Rights of the Child (NCRC), which was established by Premier Jennifer Smith a year ago, has conducted a comprehensive survey with the input of 25 Government Departments.

The data on Bermuda's ability to respond to children, following guidelines laid out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, is being compiled into a working document.

"Before the first phase of brief is complete, we will have received input from Government and non-Government organisations, the community, families and children themselves,'' said the spokesman.

Bermuda became a party to the Convention in 1994. It entitles all children to specific rights including the right to protection from abuse, discrimination and harmful work, along with the right to education, a safe and healthy life and the right to special care if disabled.

The spokesman said: "The Convention is rooted in the concept that the child's path from total dependency to adulthood is gradual and must be protected.'' The second phase of the local initiative involves heightening awareness and fostering understanding of the Convention throughout the Island.

The third stage will see the Committee's findings shared with all segments of the community through a variety of methods and feedback will be solicited.

"In this way,'' noted the spokesman, "we will have broad participation in the formulation of recommendations for Bermuda's plan to ensure that each child enjoys appropriate rights without discrimination.'' CHILDREN CLD