From 1-3 September 2025, the first session of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) was held in Geneva to explore the possibility of a new Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This new instrument would focus on the rights to early childhood education, free pre-primary education, and free [...]
On 10 July 2024, the Human Rights Council decided to create a special group to explore a new Optional Protocol, attached to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, that would make education more accessible for children. This new instrument aims to ensure that all children can attend at least one year pre-primary and secondary school [...]
Denis, a child advisor at Child Rights Connect, participated in a side event at the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, which focused on 'Children's Voices on Free Pre-Primary and Secondary Education' and took place on Friday, 20 June. It was organised by the Permanent Mission of [...]
On 11 June 2025, the Children’s Advisory Team (CAT) submitted a report to the call of High Commissioner for Human Rights for input to the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group on a possible optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The CAT conducted surveys around the globe [...]
Listening to the children Catarina and Freja, two of Child Rights Connect’s child advisors participated in the side event to the 56th United Nations Human Rights Council Session to voice their support for the creation of the Optional Protocol and why it matters to them. Download the flyer here.
