In 2024, the global normative pushback against children’s rights—particularly around gender and civil and political rights—intensified.   In response, Child Rights Connect put increased efforts to advance understanding and protection of children’s civil and political rights at the global level, in particular at the UN Human Rights Council (Council or HRC). Despite opposition from some States, Child Rights Connect’s relentless and strategic advocacy efforts ensured that children’s voices were prioritized in crucial UN resolutions and decision-making processes, further cementing their role as active participants in shaping international human rights frameworks. Below, we highlight some of our most impactful achievements in keeping children’s civil and political rights at the core of global decision-making.

Mainstreaming Children’s Rights in Resolutions on Civil and Political Rights 

A major achievement in 2024 was Child Rights Connect’s successful advocacy to maintain or include references to children’s rights in different Council resolutions on civil and political rights. UN Human Rights Council resolution HRC/RES/56/10 on peaceful protests. Historically, such resolutions have often overlooked children.

In particular, Child Rights Connect undertook advocacy on resolution HRC/RES/56/10 on peaceful protests. Negotiations were challenging, with some States resisting the inclusion of stronger protections for children . However, thanks to Child Rights Connect and its members:

  • recommendations stressing the need to integrate full consideration of the rights of the child in guidance for law enforcement was maintained, and
  • a call to pay particular attention to the safety and protection of girl human rights defenders in the context of peaceful protests was achieved!

One of the most impactful moments for Child Rights Connect in 2024 came during the 57th Session of the UN Human Rights Council when the resolution HRC/RES/56/10 on “Equal Participation in Political and Public Affairs” was adopted with specific provisions for children’s rights. For the first time, the resolution included dedicated paragraphs highlighting the importance of children’s participation in political and public affairs, recognizing their right to be heard in decision-making processes that impact their lives.

Throughout the session, Child Rights Connect focused on advocating for the civil and political rights of children, particularly their right to participate in political and public life, as enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. To bolster this advocacy, Child Rights Connect organized a side event co-sponsored by multiple international organizations and UN member states, titled “Supporting Children’s Participation in Political and Public Affairs.” The event was attended by over 100 people both in-person and online and featured discussions on the challenges children face in participating in political affairs, as well as best practices for fostering greater child engagement in decision-making.

Key recommendations from the event included strengthening legal frameworks to guarantee children’s right to participate in political and public affairs, investing in mechanisms that ensure children’s voices are heard, supporting the leadership development of children — especially girls — and fostering ongoing dialogue between children and authorities. Notably, the resolution also included two new provisions recognizing the transformative potential of education and the negative impact of hate speech on children’s participation in political and public life.

A Seat at the Table: Child Participation in the Establishment of an Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child 

2024 also saw a historic development in advancing the right of children to participate in public affairs at the international level.

Through the tireless efforts of Child Rights Connect’s Working Group on Children and the Right to Education, a landmark resolution HRC/56/5 was adopted by consensus at the UN Human Rights Council on July 10, 2024.

The resolution set up an open-ended intergovernmental working group to explore the creation of the Optional Protocol, with the aim to explicitly recognize that the right to education includes early childhood care and education, and explicitly include States obligations to provide at least one year public pre-primary free education and public free secondary education under international law. One groundbreaking aspect of this resolution is its explicit commitment to child participation, as it calls for children’s views to be included in the development of the new Optional Protocol.

The Children’s Advisory Team of Child Rights Connect played a vital role in this achievement. Since 2023, child advisors from this group had been consulted and actively engaged in advocacy efforts (read section The permanent Children’s Advisory Team: a driving force for our organisation and for children’s empowerment worldwide).

Shaping the Future of Children’s Rights 

In 2024, Child Rights Connect achieved historic milestones in advancing understanding of and realisation of the civil and political rights of children on the global stage. From embedding child participation in the development of a new Optional Protocol on education rights, to mainstreaming children’s rights in HRC Resolutions on civil and political rights, Child Rights Connect successfully reinforced the role of children as active agents of change in shaping international human rights standards. These advancements are part of a broader, ongoing effort to ensure that children’s voices are heard, valued, and integrated into the frameworks that govern their rights.

Despite facing resistance from certain States, Child Rights Connect’s strategic advocacy and coalition-building efforts ensured that the rights of children remained at the forefront of global discussions. Moving forward, Child Rights Connect is committed to continuing its work with UN member States and other stakeholders to strengthen child participation, challenge misconceptions, and ensure that international frameworks reflect the full breadth of children’s civil and political rights. As Child Rights Connect looks ahead, the goal remains clear: empowering children to be key stakeholders in shaping the future of their rights.