This 49-page report shares methodologies and results from children's research in two locations in China that are heavily affected by HIV/AIDS: Yining City (in Yili Prefecture, Xinjiang in northwest China) and Yingjiang County (in Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province in southern China). High HIV prevalence in both areas stems from intravenous drug use, and their proximity to drug production areas. These circumstances have tended to result in a focus on issues related to adults, with less attention paid to children; hence this research. The report focuses on the main concerns of children in these areas, their definitions of children in difficulties, their difficulties and expectations, and particularly, the impact of HIV/AIDS upon children.

The report emerges from an action-oriented participatory research programme called Helping Children to Access HIV Prevention, HIV/AIDS Care and Support Services in East Asia and Pacific, which was implemented by Save the Children and its partners in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand in 2005. Recognising that the situation of the HIV/AIDS epidemic is different in different countries and that responses and attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS can vary across the region, different research approaches were used in each country. However, in all countries, the research strategy was based on children's rights, particularly children's right to participation. Child-led surveys were carried out in an effort to understand the living conditions and expectations of children from their perspective by treating children seriously, respecting them and listening to their voices. Specifically, based on group discussion and decision-making, in July and August 2005, children in Xinjiang and Yunnan participated in a series of group discussion/decision-making workshops in which they defined issues confronting children, designed interview outlines, carried out interviews separately or in groups, completed preliminary analysis of interview findings, and made suggestions regarding writing of research reports. During weekend workshops in November 2005, the children discussed the drafts, provided their opinions for revision, and determined titles for the reports. Based on the research, the programme will advocate for enhanced child protection and the fulfillment of child rights in particular societies and communities, promote communications between different regions on the practice of child care work, and promote the exploration of new working approaches.

In brief, the children identified a number of issues and difficulties related to the phenomenon of drug use/addiction and its consequent effects on their lives in the context of HIV/AIDS. These comments demonstrate "the complexity of meaning and children's understanding of what creates vulnerability." The authors stress that this finding could be important because the much-used term orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) may need to be broadened in meaning since there are other ways in which they are vulnerable through not having care of parents. Another key finding is that HIV/AIDS exacerbates already-existing tensions and difficulties, providing further means of family break-up, and excuses for bullying by other children and adults through a means of applying discrimination and stigma. In this context, the authors note, the nature of relationships with important figures - which children identified in workshops as family, friends and teachers - will play a major role in children's emotional or psychological state and integrity.

The authors stress that moving forward in these areas should include responding to children's ideas and issues - not just their material conditions but their emotional health and self-esteem. While addressing stigma and discrimination is key, fostering children's participation in and access to education, and securing their right to be free from violence and bullying from adults or peers, is highlighted as key to promoting children's development and resilience. The crucial importance of family is highlighted throughout, and the place of community-based care for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS appears to be a basic assumption of children. They know where they want to stay and be cared for; the question is how best to facilitate support and protection to enable their development. To this end, in addition to the children's recommendations, the research team recommends:

• The development of community-based children's centres to provide training, education (formal and non-formal) and to promote participation, inclusion and psychosocial support.
• Strengthening cooperation and integrated work between government departments and other agencies
• Mobilisation of care from relatives for children and development of fostering
• Promotion and development of child-friendly schools
• Promotion of access to education
• Development of community-based health and hygiene programmes