Child Rights Connect

81st Session
2019-05-13 - 2019-05-31
Pre-session (08.10.2018-12.10.2018):
Botswana (CRC), Cabo Verde (CRC), Côte d’Ivoire (CRC), Malta (CRC), Poland (LOIPR), Singapore (CRC), Sri Lanka (OPSC), Tonga (CRC)
Session (13.05.2019 – 31.05.2019):
Botswana (CRC), Cabo Verde (CRC), Côte d’Ivoire (CRC), Malta (CRC), Singapore (CRC), Sri Lanka (OPSC), Tonga (CRC)

30 years after the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child: achievements, challenges and opportunities, with a key focus on access to information, digital skills and online safety for children
2019-05-27 13:00 - 14:45 (Europe/Paris) | Palais des Nations (Room XXV)
Background and objectives

The Permanent Mission of Romania and the Permanent Mission of Austria are organizing an event in the margins of the 81st session of the CRC entitled “30 years after the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child: achievements, challenges and opportunities, with a key focus on access to information, digital skills and online safety for children”.
The year 2019 provides the opportunity to take stock of the achievements 30 years after the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to identify challenges in the implementation of the rights of the child and to discuss the way ahead. This event aims to contribute to these discussions. Particularly, it will be an opportunity to take stock of 30 years since the adoption of the CRC from the perspective of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, to identify the existing gaps and challenges for the implementation and to discuss emerging issues in the area of children’s rights. Among current challenges and opportunities, the event will focus on the interlinkages between access to information, digital skills and online safety for children, also with a view to the ongoing work of the Committee on a General Comment on children’s rights in the digital environment. While access to information contributes to the promotion of children’s social, spiritual and moral well-being, as well as to their physical and mental health, and digital skills become indispensable in the process of education, online safety must be a priority for these essential objectives to be met.
Romania, the holder of the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, and Austria, the previous EU Council presidency, are committed to promoting children’s rights. The 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child is an opportunity to reaffirm this commitment and to galvanize reflection on achievements, challenges and opportunities in the area of children’s rights.

Format of the event

The theme will be addressed by a panel consisting of members of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, human rights experts, representatives of civil society and diplomats, through short presentations. At the end of this part, a questions-and-answers session will allow the participants to engage with panelists and broaden the reflection initiated by them.

Programme and panelists

13h00-13h20: Light lunch
13h20-13h25: Opening Remarks
H.E. Amb. Adrian Vierita, Permanent Representative of Romania to the United Nations in Geneva
13h25 – 14h05: Panel Session
Justice Renate Winter, Outgoing Chair of the Committee on the Rights of the Child
Mr. Luis Ernesto Pedernera Reyna, Incoming Chair of the Committee on the Rights of the Child
Dr. Philip Jaffé, Professor at the University of Geneva, Psychotherapist and CRC Member
Mr. Chulho Hyun, Regional Chief of Communication, UNICEF Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECARO)
Ms. Adina Codres, Senior Counsellor, Romanian National Authority for Children’s Rights Protection and Adoption
Ms. Ilaria Paolazzi, Programme Manager, Child Rights Connect
Moderation: Ms. Imma Guerras-Delgado, Team Leader – Child and Youth Rights, OHCHR
14h05-14h35: Exchange time with the floor
14h35-14h45: Closing remarks

Strategic litigation before the UN: a tool for social and legal change
2019-05-28 12:30 - 14:00 (Europe/Paris)
Join us, in person or online, for a Presentation by partners Litigating cases of Girls victims of Sexual Violence and Forced Pregnancies at the UN treaty bodies, including the CRC
Global Planned Parenthood and the Center for Reproductive Rights together with in-country partners, will be presenting cases being submitted to the UN treaty bodies, including the Committee on the Rights of the Child involving girls victims of sexual violence who were forced to carry their pregnancies to term in several Latin American countries. The case brought before the CRC will be the first time the Committee will have to pronounce itself through an individual communication on the public health problem of forced pregnancies which violates girls’ right to health; education; and information, among others;
The event will also be an opportunity to hear first-hand about the litigation strategy and why for example the case presented to the Committee on the Rights of the Child was not instead submitted to the CEDAW or a regional human rights court.

The Human Rights of Children in Practice - Too serious to be left only to the goodwill of adults
2019-06-18 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/Paris) | La Pastorale, Centre d’Accueil de la Genève Internationale (CAGI), Switzerland
An event in the context of the 30th anniversary of the CRC is being organised by the University of Geneva as part of their Summer Schools programme, in partnership with Child Rights Connect, 30 ans de droits de l’enfant and the Centre Interfacultaire en droits de l’enfant!
Konstantinos, a child advisor in our DGD Children’s Advisory Team, will be delivering a keynote speech and be part of a dialogue with panelists:

Philip Jaffé, Professor, University of Geneva and Member of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child,
Jean Zermatten, Former Chairperson of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child,
Stephen Langton, our interim Director.

Moderation : Roberta Ruggiero, Centre for Children’s Rights Studies
Join us on 18 June 2019, 6pm La Pastorale, Centre d’Accueil de la Genève Internationale (CAGI)
Flyer here.

The International Journal of Children’s Rights UNCRC 30th Anniversary Conference
2019-06-20 10:00 - 2019-06-21 17:00 (Europe/Paris)
Thirty Years of Children’s Rights Scholarship: Taking Stock and Thinking Ahead
This conference will provide an opportunity for children’s rights scholars from across the globe to reflect on developments in children’s rights scholarship since the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It will cover a range of issues, including juvenile justice, education, family relationships, child participation, health and well-being, poverty and immigration.
Discussions will be informed by a series of short reviews by leading and up-and-coming scholars from across the world who will reflect on key theoretical, empirical and methodological contributions to children’s rights research over the past three decades. This will help to reveal gaps in knowledge and identify opportunities and priorities for further scholarship.
Our Programme Manager Ilaria Paolazzi will be participating.

Day 1 Thursday 20th June
Chair: Kirsten Sandberg

11.00-11.10
Introductions
Laura Lundy and Helen Stalford

11.15-12.00
Children’s Rights Theory
Karl Hanson (University of Geneva)
Noam Peleg (UNSW, Sydney)

12.00-12.45
Poverty/socio-economic rights
Aoife Nolan (Nottingham University)
Kirrily Pells (UCL)

1.30- 2.15
Education
Ann Quennerstedt (Orebro University)
Zoé Moody (University of Geneva)

2.15-3.00
UNCRC Incorporation
Simon Hoffman (Swansea University)
Rebecca Stern (Uppsala University)

3.00-4.00
Open Discussion
Discussant: Roberta Ruggiero

Day 2 Friday 21th June
Chair: Professor Julia Sloth-Nielson

11.00-11.15
30 years, 30 cheers!:
Celebrating the UNCRC
Michael Freeman

11.15-12.00
Child Participation

Kay Tisdall (Edinburgh University)
Christina McMellon (Glasgow University) (TBC)

12.00-12.45
Child Migration
Ellen Desmet (Ghent University)
Ruth Brittle (Nottingham University)

1.30- 2.15
Family
Conor O’Mahony (University College Cork)
Lydia Bracken (University of Limerick)

2.15-3.00
Juvenile Justice
Ton Liefaard (Leiden University)
Nessa Lynch (University of Wellington)

3.00-4.00
Open Discussion
Discussant: Claire Fenton-Glynn

Access to remedy for children victims and survivors of trafficking
2019-06-28 09:30 - 23:00 (Europe/Paris)
This event is cosponsored by the Permanent Missions of The Philippines, Austria, Australia, Brazil, Hungary, Peru, Croatia, Germany as well as Caritas Internationalis, the CRC Committee, Child Rights Connect, ECPAT International and UNICEF.
Program

Opening remarks: Ambassador Evan P. Garcia, Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN and other International Organization in Geneva
Panel discussion with:

Maria Grazia Giammarinaro (UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons especially women and children)
Mikiko Otani (Committee on the Rights of the Child, Expert)
Noha Roukoz (Caritas Lebanon, Awareness Project Officer)
Afshan Khan (UNICEF Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, Regional Director and Special Coordinator for Refugee and Migrant Response in Europe)
Catherine Mbengue (ECPAT International, Senior Advisor)
Camillo Gudmalin (Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development, Vice minister/ Undersecretary for Special Concerns)

Open forum / Q&A

Objectives

To outline existing challenges hampering access to remedy for children victims of trafficking, in particular in the context of migration
To discuss specific challenges as a result of children transitioning to adulthood
To identify good practices on access to justice for children victims of trafficking

28 June, 9.30am-11am, Room XV Building A Palais des Nations
Please RSVP to Ms. Alca Tintero, by 27 June 2019: aica.tintero@dfa.gov.ph or 078 829 8818
Please find further information in the attached flyer.

CRC 30th anniversary - Time for Transformative Action
2019-07-01 13:30 - 15:00 (Europe/Paris) | Palais des Nations (Room IX), Geneva, Switzerland
Programme

Video, children’s views on the UNCRC
Presentation of the findings of the Global Child Rights Progress Report, by Delphine Moralis, secretary General, Terre des Hommes on behalf on Joining Forces: Child Rights Now! Alliance
Dialogue between children and government representatives from Romania and Zambia (tbc)
Commentary by Dr. Philip D. Jaffé, UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
Q&A session

Discussion moderated by Precious, child from Zambia
An event by Child Fund Alliance, Plan international, Save The Children, SOS Children’s Village, Terre des Hommes International Federation, World Vision, cosponsored by the European Union and Uruguay.
See the flyer

82nd session
2019-09-09 - 2019-09-27
Pre-session (04.02.2019 – 08.02.2019):
Australia (CRC), Bosnia and Herzegovina (CRC), Georgia (OPAC, OPSC), Luxembourg (LOIPR), Mozambique (CRC), Panama (OPAC), Portugal (CRC), Republic of Korea (CRC)
Session (09.09.2019 – 27.09.2019):
Australia (CRC), Bosnia and Herzegovina (CRC), Georgia (OPAC, OPSC), Mozambique (CRC), Panama (OPAC), Portugal (CRC), Republic of Korea (CRC)

Committee on the Rights of the Child: 30 years of children's rights - Where we are and where we want to be
2019-09-16 | Palais des Nations, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
On Monday 16 September 2019 the CRC Committee celebrates the 30th anniversary through:

The launch of the exhibition at 1:30pm which displays the pledges made by States with respect to children’s rights, as well as national initiatives, from 16 to 27 September 2019.
The public event 30 years of children’s rights – Where we are and where we want to be in Palais des Nations:

On the dedicated website you will find the speakers’ bios, including Hannah, Zcyrel, Maria, Amy, Serena, Sophia and Keren, and the programme of the event: English | French | Spanish
Serena helped to open the event and focused on a call for ratification of the third Optional Protocol to the CRC; OPIC. As part of the day’s celebrations, we launched our new OPIC website – find out more in the article above!
Jean Zermatten, previous Chairperson of the Committee, gave a history to the Convention which included data collected from our 2019 report on the Global Status of Engagement in Reporting to the Committee on the Rights of the Child.
Sophia and Keren led a talkshow with a range of stakeholders including our Executive Director Alex Conte and Maria and Zcyrel then launched the child-friendly CRC they have developed as part of a global, cross-regional Children’s Advisory Team which was led by Child Rights Connect. Access the associated Guide for adults to empower children to develop their own versions in their contexts.
Hannah (representing the global DGD Children’s Advisory Team) and Sophia took part in a roundtable on topics including child justice and the environment, and Amy took the lead on social media throughout the day and concluded key messages throughout the day. #LittleVoicesBigImpact
We really encourage you to watch the recording of the event here!
Key messages and feedback from this event will help to inform preparations and discussions during the November CRC30 conference.

Exhibition: When children defend their rights
2019-09-20 07:30 - 2019-10-04 19:00 (Europe/Paris) | Salle d’exposition de l’Université, 66 boulevard Carl Vogt, Geneva, 1202, Switzerland
EN / FR
When children defend their rights
Exhibition “Children reporters. 1, 2, 3 … let’s talk about our rights! ”
On November 20, 1989, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Thirty years later, the Republic and Canton of Geneva has updated its policy for children and youth with a new law recognizing the child “not only as a subject with rights, first of all to be protected, but also as an actor participating in society and who has the right to express himself on issues concerning him “.
To commemorate this anniversary and to give the children a voice on the rights that concern them, the UNIGE Showroom (SEU) hosts an exhibition entitled “Children reporters. 1, 2, 3 … let’s talk about our rights! ” Through video, photo, radio and written reports, the SEU will show the works of children from Geneva and elsewhere who wish to share with the public their vision of the rights of the child today: what seems important, which is a problem for them, which they would like to change. During the night of Saturday, September 28, proposed in the framework of NO’PHOTO 2019, biennial of photography in Geneva, visitors will also be able to attend a projection of the Musée de l’Élysée with the theme “childhood dream”. Find more information here.
The Children Reporter project is accompanied by a three-day conference around the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention. Professionals, institutions and actors of the rights of the child, adults and children, of the City of Geneva as of international Geneva, the Swiss Confederation and the academic sector, will be invited to discuss and exchange on the actions carried out in Geneva in favor the rights of the child. A photographic exhibition will also be installed on Wilson’s Wharf throughout the month of October 2019. A day of entertainment around the rights of the child, with a giant birthday cake, will be organized to celebrate the anniversary day. of the Convention, on November 20, 2019, at the Place des Nations. Find more information here.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening on Tuesday 24 September at 18h30
Nocturne on Saturday, September 28, from 2pm to 1am, with a projection of the Élysée Museum (Suzi Pilet, “The childhood dreamed”)
Guided tours for the public will be held on Thursday 26 September at 18h and on Tuesday 1 October at 12.30.

Quand les enfants défendent leurs droits
Exposition «Enfants reporters. 1, 2, 3… parlons de nos droits!»
Le 20 novembre 1989, l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies adoptait la Convention de l’ONU relative aux droits de l’enfant. Trente ans plus tard, la République et canton de Genève a actualisé sa politique pour l’enfance et la jeunesse avec une nouvelle loi reconnaissant l’enfant «non seulement comme un sujet doté de droits, dont en premier lieu celui d’être protégé, mais également comme un acteur participant à la société et qui a le droit de s’exprimer sur les questions le concernant».
Pour commémorer cet anniversaire et donner la parole aux enfants sur les droits qui les concernent, la Salle d’exposition de l’UNIGE (SEU) accueille une exposition intitulée «Enfants reporters. 1, 2, 3… parlons de nos droits!». À travers des reportages vidéos, photos, radios ou encore écrits, la SEU exposera les œuvres d’enfants venus de Genève et d’ailleurs, qui souhaitent partager avec le public leur vision des droits de l’enfant aujourd’hui: ce qui leur paraît important, ce qui leur pose problème, ce qu’ils voudraient changer. Durant la nocturne du samedi 28 septembre, proposée dans le cadre de NO’PHOTO 2019, biennale de la photographie à Genève, les visiteurs pourront également assister à une projection du Musée de l’Élysée ayant pour thème «L’enfance rêvée». Retrouvez plus d’informations ici.
Le projet «Enfants reporters» s’accompagne d’une conférence de trois jours autour du 30ème anniversaire de la Convention des Nations Unies. Professionnels, institutionnels et acteurs des droits de l’enfant, adultes et enfants, de la Cité de Genève comme de la Genève internationale, de la Confédération helvétique et du secteur académique, seront invités pour débattre et échanger sur les actions réalisées à Genève en faveur des droits de l’enfant. Une exposition photographique sera également installée sur le Quai Wilson tout le mois d’octobre 2019. Une journée d’animations autour des droits de l’enfant, avec un gâteau d’anniversaire géant, sera par ailleurs organisée pour fêter la journée d’anniversaire de la Convention, le 20 novembre 2019 sur la place des Nations.
Retrouvez plus d’informations ici.
INFOS PRATIQUES
Vernissage le mardi 24 septembre à 18h30
Nocturne le samedi 28 septembre, de 14h à 1h, avec une projection du Musée de l’Élysée (Suzi Pilet, «L’enfance rêvée»)
Des visites guidées pour le public seront organisées le jeudi 26 septembre à 18h et le mardi 1er octobre à 12h30.

CONTACTS
Anita Goh, Commissaire de l’exposition et chef de projet de l’Association 30 Ans de Droits de l’Enfant
Anita.Goh@30ansde.org
+41 76 358 12 22
Philip D. Jaffé, Directeur du Centre interfacultaire en droits de l’enfant de l’UNIGE et membre fondateur de l’Association 30 ans de droits de l’enfant
Philip.Jaffe@unige.ch
+41 76 390 08 52

UN General Assembly high-level commemorative event
2019-09-25 08:30 - 09:30 (America/New_York) | UN headquarters, NY, New York, United States
The United Nations General Assembly decides to convene a high-level commemorative event to mark the thirtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child during the high-level week of the seventy-fourth session of the General Assembly, on 25 September 2019, from 8.30 to 9.30 a.m. in the Trusteeship Council Chamber.
Read the Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 20 June 2019 – Commemoration of the thirtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child
Muzoon Almellehan will be making remarks, and there will be six Member States with speaking roles; all accompanied by child delegates (Ghana, Ecuador, Poland, Vietnam, Russia and Sweden).
NGOs for invitation have been presented to the President of the General Assembly’s (PGA) Office for confirmation.

Promoting a Safe and Empowering Environment for All Children and Youth
2019-09-25 14:00 - 15:30 (Europe/Paris) | Palais des Nations (Room XXII), Geneva, Switzerland
Human Rights Council 42nd session side event on “Promoting a Safe and Empowering Environment for All Children and Youth”!
We are happy to share with you the Flyer to the side event on “Promoting a Safe and Empowering Environment for All Children and Youth – Best practices for child and youth protection and participation through human rights education“, organized by IIMA, VIDES International and the UN Permanent Mission of the Philippines and co-sponsored by Child Rights Connect to take place on Wednesday, September 25 (2-3:30 pm), in Palais des Nations, room XXII.
This side event will be an opportunity to share best practices for child and youth protection and participation through human rights education.

The rights of the child: a lever for the quality of child protection support
2019-09-26 09:30 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris)
On the occasion of the CRC 30th anniversary, SOS Children’s Villages France is organizing a round table titled : “Qualité de l’accompagnement en protection de l’enfance: les Droits de l’enfant comme levier”, during which French and international decision-makers and stakeholders will discuss the need to put the commitments made by France on the implementation of children’s rights at the heart of the politics and practices in order to improve the quality of their care.
It will be held at the Palais Bourbon on Thursday, September 26 from 9:30 to 12:00. The round table is sponsored by Brigitte Bourguignon, President of the Social Affairs Committee of the National Assembly.

The CRC Committee Hynd Ayoubi Idrissi will be participating in the panel: Child Rights Approach: from theory to practice!
Programme
Registration (compulsory)
More information (in French)

84th pre-session
2019-09-30 - 2019-10-04
Afghanistan (CRC), Cambodia (CRC), Cyprus (CRC), Czech Republic (CRC), Eswatini (CRC), Netherlands (LOIPR), Switzerland (LOIPR), Tunisia (CRC)

Side event on adolescent girls’ rights - CEDAW 40th and CRC 30th anniversaries!
2019-10-25 13:30 - 14:45 (Europe/Paris) | Palais des Nations, Room XXVII, Switzerland
On 25 October you are invited to the side event “Paving the way for adolescent girls’ rights”. This is organized by Plan International in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of Uruguay to the UN in Geneva, the CEDAW and CRC Committees, and co-sponsored by Child Rights Conenect, among others.
You can find below the panel where our Executive Director Alex Conte will be among the speakers.
Panellists:
– Neha from Nepal, Co-leader Girls’ Team for girl-led report to the CEDAW Committee
– Ministra María Alejandra Costa Prieto, Deputy Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Uruguay to the United Nations Office in Geneva
– Ms. Hilary Gbedemah, CEDAW Committee Chair
– Ms. Renate Winter, CRC Committee Vice-chair Mr.
– Alex Conte, Child Rights Connect Executive Director
Moderation by Ms. Rachel Tenorio, Young Professional, Plan International United Nations Office in Geneva
This event will shed light on how the CEDAW and CRC Committees are working towards the protection and advancement of adolescent girls’ rights by integrating a gender and age perspective into their work. It is an opportunity to look at achievements made so far and discuss how the Committees can collaborate to strengthen international guidance on adolescent girls’ rights. RSVP here!

30 years on from the Child Rights Convention: where are we on street children's rights?
2019-11-11 09:00 - 18:00 (Europe/Paris) | Baker Mckenzie Office, London, 100 New Bridge St, London, England, EC4V6JA, Spain
Consortium for Street Children is organizing a conference titled “30 years on from the Child Rights Convention: where are we on street children’s rights?”. This conference will be held at Baker Mckenzie Office in London on the 11th November 2019 from 9am-6pm.
30 years on from the Child Rights Convention and 2 years after General Comment N. 21 on Children in Street Situations, street children around the world are still being denied their rights. You can join this event to discuss the progress made and hear about innovative solutions aimed at securing legal rights, protections and opportunities for street children.
Confirmed speakers: Philip Alston, Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights and Nima Elbagir, Senior International correspondent for CNN and award-winning journalist recognised for investigating human rights abuses and child labour across Africa.
Workshop topics and full list of confirmed speakers to be announced in September.

Defence for Children International: 3 side-events
2019-11-15
Defence for Children International in holding 3 side-events in November to celebrate both its 40th anniversary and the 30th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
1) Children’s Rights Award: “Hear my Story, know my rights”
Defence for Children International (DCI) is a leading child rights-focused grassroots Movement founded in 1979, the first International Year of the Child. We promote and protect the human rights of children at the local, national, regional and international levels across 5 continents. In 2019, we will be celebrating 40 years of DCI’s active contribution to protecting and promoting the rights of children worldwide. DCI’s work focuses on 4 thematic priorities namely Justice for Children, Violence Against Children, Children on the Move and Children Affected by Conflicts. It also prioritizes 3 cross-cutting issues which include children deprived of liberty, child participation and gender.
Objectives:
2019 marks the 30th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the 40th of DCI. On this occasion, we would like to celebrate with children!
The objective of the Children’s Rights Award 2019 is to foster children’s participation and to include the whole DCI Movement in doing so. This edition calls upon the participation of all children between ages of 12-17 years in all the countries in which DCI is present. This will also include the involvement of National Sections who will be participating in the award in partnership with the DCI International Secretariat in Geneva. Through this DCI Award process DCI aims to highlight how children’s rights are perceived by those who are most directly concerned – children themselves. More than that, DCI wishes to use the process at the National level to interact with children in their communities to encourage a better understanding of their rights enshrined in UN Convention of the Rights of the Child, more specifically the articles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on which DCI focuses their work. Given that 2019 is also the 30th anniversary of this UN Convention, there will be also celebrations at the National level, with which the Award may be associated. The objective is to include as many children as possible through a wide participation of the DCI Movement worldwide in the competition entitled: HEAR MY STORY, KNOW MY RIGHTS.
DCI’s priority on child participation is underpinned by the Convention of the Rights of the Child, both Article 12 (respect for the views of the child) and Article 13 (right of every child to 12 express his or her views, also in judicial and administrative proceedings) as well as the Optional Protocol 3 to the Convention, which allows individual children to submit complaints regarding specific violations of their rights under the Convention and the Protocols. The Sustainable Development Goals (target 16.7) also call for responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels. Additionally, Article 2 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child calls for non-discrimination of any kind and allows for the application of measures to ensure that children are protected from these discriminations which may occur.
The 2019 edition of the Children’s Rights Award aims to provide a platform for children to express their ideas, opinions, views, hopes and visions in regard to children’s rights. The two categories enable both an illustrative and detailed outlook of what children’s rights mean from the perspective of a child. There is broad range of issues and challenges that children face. For example, millions of children worldwide are affected by violence which means that what one child may see as a right to them may mean something completely different to another child in different country. As a grass-roots organisation promoting the rights of children, it is important to acknowledge the different barriers faced by children worldwide at voicing out their opinions whether due to language barriers or lack of opportunities to do so. Moreover, this will attract a wider range of participation both in terms of geographical diversity, eliminating potential language barriers and strengthening cooperation between National Sections and the DCI International Secretariat in Geneva.
Activities:
Child Rights from a Child’s Perspective:
DCI’s priority on child participation is underpinned by the Convention of the Rights of the Child, both Article 12 (respect for the views of the child) and Article 13 (right of every child to 12 express his or her views, also in judicial and administrative proceedings) as well as the Optional Protocol 3 to the Convention, which allows individual children to submit complaints regarding specific violations of their rights under the Convention and the Protocols. The Sustainable Development Goals (target 16.7) also call for responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels. Additionally, Article 2 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child calls for non-discrimination of any kind and allows for the application of measures to ensure that children are protected from these discriminations which may occur.
The 2019 edition of the Children’s Rights Award aims to provide a platform for children to express their ideas, opinions, views, hopes and visions in regard to children’s rights. The two categories enable both an illustrative and detailed outlook of what children’s rights mean from the perspective of a child. There is broad range of issues and challenges that children face. For example, millions of children worldwide are affected by violence which means that what one child may see as a right to them may mean something completely different to another child in different country. As a grass-roots organisation promoting the rights of children, it is important to acknowledge the different barriers faced by children worldwide at voicing out their opinions whether due to language barriers or lack of opportunities to do so. Moreover, this will attract a wider range of participation both in terms of geographical diversity, eliminating potential language barriers and strengthening cooperation between National Sections and the DCI International Secretariat in Geneva.
Scope:
This competition will be open to children between the ages of 12 – 17 years old which will be split into 2 categories who reside in one of the countries where DCI is present:

Category A: a piece of artwork including video-clips, songs, and any other form of electronic creation.
Category B: a creation of a comics, pictures, posters or drawings of any form.

*See “Rules & Regulations” for specific delivery methods.
The two categories shall aim to express what child rights are to them. Participants have the freedom to interpret this question as they wish however the piece must clearly present a link and has to be apparent in order for judges to be able to provide an objective assessment.
Participants are also encouraged to link their submissions to one of DCI’s thematic priorities and cross-cutting issues:
 Justice for Children
 Violence Against Children
 Children on the Move
 Children affected by Conflict
 Children Deprived of Liberty
 Gender
 Children’s Participation
Child participation
This competition will be open to children between the ages of 12 – 17 years old residing in one of the countries where DCI is present. The first two winners of the International Round (the first winner of the Category A, and the first winner of the Category B) will receive as a prize, the opportunity to come to Geneva (probably during the week of the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, TBC). During this week in Geneva, the international community will organize several events regarding the 30th anniversary, in which DCI will be able to participate. Therefore, the two winners will have the opportunity to attend to some of these events according to their age. DCI will also publish in the DCI Website, and other relevant media and publications, the winners and the best national participations.
This event will take place in Swiss Press Club (Geneva) on 15th November 2019 from 15h to 18h followed by a reception.

2) Screening of “Voices from the inside” and debate on children deprived of liberty
This event will take place in Swiss Press Club (Geneva) on 18th November 2019 from 18h30 to 21h30.

3) Group Discussion on Girl Human Rights Defenders
This event will take place in Palais des Nations, UN (Geneva) on 19th November 2019 from 14h30 to 15h30.
UN registration necessary
If you are interested to attend any of those events, please register here.

30th Anniversary: Commemorative conference in Geneva
2019-11-18 - 2019-11-20 | Palais des Nations, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
UPDATE: Check the videos!
A three-day commemorative conference is organized at the Palais des Nations on 18 to 20 November by the Association 30 ans de Droits de l’Enfant with key partners. Child Rights Connect is actively involved in the organization of the conference as well as in the facilitation of children’s participation. In particular, Child Rights Connect is invited to take part in the working group which is tasked of organizing the roundtables as well as the working groups which will organize the child participation aspect of the conference.

Concept note
Programme
Child-friendly Concept note and Programme: English, Français, Español

As you can see on the programme:

Child participation is the topic of the only plenary roundtable of Day 1;
Children human rights defenders will be the topic of the only plenary roundtable of Day 2;
Our child advisors are invited to participate in the entire conference, as speakers and participants;
2 or 3 child advisors will have the opportunity to deliver an opening statement on Day 1 on the situation of child rights 30 years after the adoption of the CRC.

Children Are Standing Up for Their Rights. What Will You Do?
2019-11-20
UNICEF will advocate for action on child rights throughout 2019 at the global, regional and national level – culminating on the commemorative day on 20th November – World Children’s Day.
UNICEF offices are engaging with national and local governments and partners to organize special events and mobilize actions for and with children and young people. Each country will use this opportunity to accelerate progress on priority national child rights issues in their specific contexts. UNICEF favours an approach to commemorating the anniversary at various points with both virtual and country level celebrations and activities, which could possibly include an action-oriented moment on child rights and the Sustainable Development Goals at the High-Level Political Forum of the United Nations General Assembly in September. UNICEF is also developing a child-friendly version of the Convention, together with Child Rights Connect and with the participation of children.
Convention on the Rights of the child Commemorative Event, 20th November, NYC
UNICEF and the Office of the President of the General Assembly are inviting ECOSOC-accredited NGOs to attend the “one-day high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.”
This one-day event will also serve as the culmination of a series of child-centric efforts underway in regional, national and local capacities, brought together in a global space with the participation of UN Member States, civil society, children and other stakeholders – all celebrating the Convention.
In accordance with the resolution 73/301, the schedule of the meeting will include an opening plenary meeting, an interactive segment with meaningful participation of children and youth, and a high-level plenary meeting.
The outcome of the one-day high-level event meeting is a summary record of interventions from member states announcing their renewed or refreshed commitments towards the fulfillment of obligations enshrined within the convention for the 21st century, and a summary of discussions to act as a record of ongoing commitment to accelerate action for the full realization of the CRC.
To confirm attendance, please register at https://reg.unog.ch/event/32462/.
Children Are Standing Up for Their Rights. What Will You Do?
In May 2019, UNICEF launches the public-facing part of the CRC30 initiative, and with these public communications, we will celebrate, empower and support the inspiring children and young people who are using their voices to change the world, standing up for their rights, and the rights of children everywhere. This video, which features children who have made a real difference in their communities and in the world, carries the message: ‘Children are standing up for their rights, what will you do?’. It is a call for adults to take concrete actions to realise child rights, once and for all.
Global action on the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child – Government commitments to implementing child rights in the 21st century
UNICEF calls for States to sign a joint global pledge : https://www.unicef.org/child-rights-convention/global-action.
UNICEF has also produced a CRC30 toolkit for partners and a timeline “Milestones in Children’s Rights”.
For more information about UNICEF’s plans for CRC30, or for campaign assets, please contact email CRC30@unicef.org

Save the Children: activities at various levels
2019-11-20
Save the Children is celebrating its centenary in 2019 and will engage in activities at various levels to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Convention, notably supporting a call for renewed commitments to the Convention and the SDG commitment to leave no one behind. As part of their plans, they will be involved in joint “Child Rights Now” activities and a joint event with CIVICUS and Child Rights Connect, during the 20 November Geneva Conference, with a possible focus on “Accountability with Children – Empowering children as civic actors to claim their rights and mobilize for change: good practices, challenges and lessons learned”.

Mission 89: raising public awareness and understanding of the trafficking of children
2019-11-20
Mission 89, a Geneva-based organisation that aims to mitigate child trafficking in sports through research, education and advocacy, is planning an awareness-raising campaign in Geneva on combating the trafficking of children in sports. As part of its 30th anniversary activities, it is organizing a photo exhibition, a youth forum with a digital campaign, and a music concert in Geneva to raise public awareness and understanding of the trafficking of children.

Child Rights Now! Global report on the status of children’s rights
2019-11-20 - 2020-05-10
The objective of Child Rights Now, a joint initiative of 6 organizations (ChildFund International, SOS Children’s Villages,Plan International, Save the Children, Terres des Hommes and World Vision) is to advocate for renewed commitment to achieving the rights of all children and the Convention, and to integrate a child rights focus into measures aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Child participation is also an essential component of the Child Rights Now initiative.
A global report on the status of children’s rights in 17 countries was launched in June 2019: A Second Revolution – Thirty years of child rights, and the unfinished agenda: English, French, Spanish. The report highlights the critical steps to realise the rights of all children and calls on States to fulfil their commitments in relation to both the CRC and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Arigatou International: A Collaborative Study on the Contributions from Religious Communities
2019-11-20 - 2020-06-03
Arigatou International, in close collaboration with the Office of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General on Violence against Children (SRSG) and other key partners, has initiated a study which consists of a review of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) from a multi-religious perspective. The primary authors of the study include distinguished academics specialized in the field of child’s rights, former chairpersons of the CRC Committee, as well as religious scholars from various faiths and backgrounds.

This collaborative study is taking place on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the CRC, which was adopted unanimously by the United Nations General Assembly the 20 November, 1989. Since its adoption, the CRC has become the most widely ratified international human rights treaty in history, and has resulted in the enactment of various laws and the adoption of numerous policies, constitutions, and programs to protect the rights of children around the world.
The study seeks to celebrate the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention and the resulting positive impacts it has had on child rights, but also serves to bridge the secular and religious divide in approaches and attitudes to fighting for child rights. The content of the CRC reflects common values inherent in all major religions around the world; the study seeks to highlight these commonalities and showcase the key role that religious leaders and communities play in influencing norms and values which can protect and promote the rights of the child. It also aims to raise awareness among religious communities on the importance of promoting the implementation of the CRC. Finally, it seeks to understand the perspectives of religious leaders and faith communities with regards to children’s rights and to encourage their commitment and endorsements to the CRC. The study does this by examining the contributions of faith communities to the CRC’s implementation and the objections raised by religious communities, including any reservations submitted by state parties on religious grounds.
The study will include strong, evidence-based statements on religious values and principles, and on harmful practices that are purportedly condoned in the name of religion. In addition, it will look at how to address opposition to and violation of children’s rights by some extremist religious groups.
Once completed, the study will be disseminated worldwide through various channels, and will be incorporated into the Report of the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Violence against Children and presented to the UN High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in July 2019, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, the UN Faith Advisory Council and thereafter, to the UN General Assembly in September 2019. It will also be disseminated to international NGOs, the Global Network of Religions for Children, and to religious communities worldwide on the occasion of the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children on November 20, which is commemorated annually to raise the status of the child and promote the CRC. It will be translated into additional languages and available in print and online.

Celebrating 30 years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child
2019-11-20 14:30 - 18:00 (Europe/Paris) | European Parliament, Brussels, Belgium
The European Parliament will organise a conference on 20 November to mark the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The conference will consider progress over the past three decades and reflect on the challenges that new generations face in a global and digital world.
It will be attended by Belgium’s Queen Mathilde, Unicef Belgium’s honorary president; together with David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament; and Ursula von der Leyen, President-elect of the European Commission.
The conference also commemorates the 60th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s Declaration of the Rights of the Child.
Delegates will discuss children’s rights to live and thrive and their right to dream.
Protecting and promoting the rights of the child
The European Parliament is committed to protecting and promoting children’s rights, not just in Europe, but all over the world.
Convention of the Rights of the Child
The Convention on the Rights of the Child strives to ensure better implementation of children’s rights worldwide. It has inspired the EU and its member states to change laws, policies and practices aimed at the protection and promotion of children’s rights, independent of their nationality or residence status.
#EUforChildren

Programme

Registration (adults)

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83rd session
2020-01-13 - 2020-01-31
Pre-session (03.06.2019 – 07.06.2019):
Austria (CRC), Belarus (CRC), Cook Islands (CRC), Costa Rica (CRC), Micronesia (Federal States of) (CRC), Rwanda (CRC), State of Palestine (CRC), Tuvalu (CRC)
Session (20.01.2020 – 07.02.2020):
Austria (CRC), Belarus (CRC), Cook Islands (CRC), Costa Rica (CRC), Micronesia (Federal States of) (CRC), Rwanda (CRC), State of Palestine (CRC), Tuvalu (CRC)

85th pre-session
2020-02-10 - 2020-02-14
Chile (LOIPR), Cuba (CRC), Djibouti (CRC), Gambia (LOIPR), Greece (CRC), Madagascar (CRC), Somalia (CRC), Zambia (LOIPR)

HRC Intersessional event on "Realizing the rights of the child through a healthy environment"
2020-02-12 13:15 - 15:00 (Europe/Paris) | Palais des Nations (Room XXII), Geneva, Switzerland

High-level mainstreaming panel on CRC30, 43rd session of the HRC
2020-02-24 - 2020-03-20
High-level mainstreaming panel on CRC30, 43rd session of the UN Human Rights Council

84th session in Samoa
2020-03-02 - 2020-03-06 | Apia, Apia, Samoa
Session:
Cook Islands, Micronesia, Tuvalu
Pre-session:
Kiribati
Find more information on out dedicated webpage!

Adoption of the LOIPR (Mauritius, NZ, Sweden)
2020-06-29 - 2020-07-03
The LOIPR of Mauritius, New Zealand and Sweden will be adopted as planned in June 2020.
