One Ocean Hub’s Post

This is likely to be an insightful session. The voices, views and needs of young people are too easy to ignore in assembly processes. How do you include them whilst ensuring they are not just there as a box-tick?

At a time when far too many children have their rights being denied, we need to collectively renew our commitment to children's rights. Please join me and many others and sign the 2024 Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Child. You can endorse it on the website of the 2024 Declaration. Since the 1924 Geneva Declaration, substantial progress has been made with regard to the well-being and protection of children. Yet, it’s profoundly troubling that in 2024, these advances are eclipsed by the violence affecting children and by emerging challenges such as digitization and the climate crisis. It is high time to update the “Geneva Declaration” and mobilize collective consciousness around a renewed commitment to children’s rights: the 2024 Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Child. https://lnkd.in/eYRsPPFw

Happy World Children's Day! A Century of Children’s Rights is worth a celebration! Since the 1924 Geneva Declaration, substantial progress has been made with regard to the well-being and protection of children, notably in the health and education sectors. Yet, it’s profoundly troubling that in 2024, these advances are eclipsed by the violence affecting children — a child dies every five minutes according to United Nations statistics, — and by emerging challenges such as digitization and the climate crisis. It is high time to update the “Geneva Declaration” and mobilize collective consciousness around a renewed commitment to children’s rights: the 2024 Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Child. https://lnkd.in/e5Am2mWJ

Happy World Children’s Day! Today, we celebrate the bright futures of children around the globe and reaffirm our commitment to their rights and well-being. Did you know: Established in 1954: World Children’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing and protecting our youngest citizens. Significant Dates: November 20th marks two important milestones: - 1959: The UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. - 1989: The UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child. World Children’s Day isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a call to action.  It inspires us to advocate for children’s rights, promote awareness, and engage in meaningful conversations that pave the way for a brighter future. Let’s work together to create a world where every child has access to education, healthcare, and the love and support they deserve. Let’s keep striving together for our children—the leaders of tomorrow! #WorldChildrensDay #ChildrensRights #FutureLeaders #Changemakers 

The Sustainable Development Goals (#SDGs) cannot be achieved without the realization of child rights. As world leaders work to deliver on the 2030 promise, children around the globe are standing up to secure their right to good health, quality education, protection from violence, a clean planet and more. As the leaders of tomorrow, children’s ability to protect the future for us all depends on what we do to secure their rights today.

Raising Awareness of Children's Rights: A Global Call to Action! 🌍👶 Today, November 20th, we celebrate International Children's Rights Day. It's a great time to reflect on the challenges faced by children and adolescents worldwide and to step up our efforts to protect their rights. As always, let me use insights to invite everyone to reflect. Major Global Issues Affecting Children: 🔴 Malnutrition and Hunger 🍽️: It's estimated that 22% of children under 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition. 🔴Access to Education 📚: The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened educational inequalities. Globally, over 168 million children haven't returned to classrooms, and many are at risk of dropping out for good. 🔴Climate Change 🌪️: The effects of climate change disproportionately impact children, who are more vulnerable to natural disasters and environmental degradation. It's estimated that 99% of climate-related deaths occur in developing countries. 🔴Conflict and Violence ⚔️: Nearly 200 million children live in conflict zones, facing violence and forced displacement. 🔴Exploitation and Child Labor 🚫: More than 160 million children are victims of labor exploitation, depriving them of their right to education and a safe, protected childhood. 🔴Child Health and Mortality 🏥: It's estimated that 5 million children under 5 die each year from preventable causes. 🔴Migration and Displacement 🏃: More children than ever are forced to leave their homes due to conflicts, persecution, and natural disasters, facing dangers in their search for safety. A Call to Action 🚀 Protecting children's rights is not only a moral obligation but also an investment in the future of our society. On this International Children's Rights Day, let's commit to creating a world where every child can grow up safe, healthy, and with access to all the opportunities they deserve. #ChildrensRights #InternationalChildrensDay #ProtectOurChildren #GlobalAction #EndChildHunger #EducationForAll #ClimateAction #StopChildLabor #HealthForAll #SupportRefugeeChildren

🌟 Meeting Commissioner Glenn Micallef, cabinet members of Šuica and cabinet members of Hoekstra 🌟 Last week, Quality Education in Europe for Sustainable Social Transformation (QUEST) had the privilege of engaging in meaningful discussions with key EU Commission officials to advance children’s rights and well-being across Europe. 1️⃣ We first met with Glenn Micallef, the EU’s Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport, to discuss how the effective implementation of the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child and the upcoming Intergeneral fairness Strategy can address critical challenges faced by children today, from digital safety, cyber-bullying to social inclusion. A key focus of our conversation was the importance of meaningful child participation in decision-making and the risks and consequences of cyberbullying on children. 2️⃣ We also met with cabinet members of the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, to discuss the Pact for the Mediterranean and children’s rights in the Middle East. We advocated for the safeguarding of children’s well-being in migration management, the need for family care support and child participation. 3️⃣ In addition, we had a productive discussion with the cabinet members of Wopke Hoekstra, the EU Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero, and Clean Growth, about integrating children’s rights into climate and environmental policies. We highlighted the importance of conducting impact assessments that consider children’s well-being, particularly for those in marginalised communities who are disproportionately affected by climate change. We also discussed the need for adaptation plans and social climate frameworks that ensure a just transition for children and families, while empowering child participation. 🙏 We are grateful for these engaging discussions and look forward to collaborating further on these critical areas to ensure that children’s voices are heard, their rights are protected, and their future is secure. European Commission #childrensrights

Climate change is a child rights issue and the younger generation must have a say and be involved in the corresponding political debate. This piece by Katie Reid is well worth a read and serves a guide (dare I say The Guide) on how to run citizens assembly, all the while acknowledging that climate change will change the life of future generations, and therefore on how best to include children and young adults in the debate. Beautifully done, Katie!

Climate and environmental crises Demographic shifts Frontier technologies The changes we face today are shaping children’s futures. By centering child rights and involving young people in decision-making, we can build a future where they not only survive, but thrive. Here is how we can make a lasting difference in children’s lives. https://lnkd.in/gbHSQtrd

Just attended the inspiring CFJ-EN Annual Seminar 2024 on "Climate (in)justice for children" in Brussels. 🌍👧👦 Thanks you Mariama Diallo, Benoît Van Keirsbilck, Lotte Buekenhout and all the great colleagues who made this happen as well as all the amazing connections and reconnections made there. Fanni Matyok, thanks for your workshop! As I always do, I loved Angela Vigil's inclusive sessions and appreciate all the support by Baker McKenzie! Also thanks to UNICEF Belgium for including the great children who are experts on their own rights! Thank you Cédric Foussard for reminding me to come and also discuss the Global Campus of Human Rights partnership within the Global Initiative on Justice With Children for the World Congress on justice with Children taking place next year in June 2025. Stay Tuned! Key takeaways of the CFJ-EN Annual Seminar: 1️⃣ Children and youth voices are powerful! The highlight was hearing children and young people share their approaches to climate justice. 2️⃣ We need to move beyond tokenism in youth participation. As one young participant pointed out, giving children a separate room in an event isn't enough - we need genuine inclusion in all aspects of these events and discussions. The team did a great job in creating enabling and inclusive spaces. 3️⃣ Suggestion: Implement a co-design model where Children and youth are involved from the start of event planning. Let them lead sessions, moderate and contribute to all discussions. (also done at this conference by inclusive models) 4️⃣ Adults need training and better understanding in relation to enabling spaces - not just those in the child rights world, but across all sectors. We must learn to create truly enabling spaces for youth voices but to do this we need to tackle unhealthy power dynamics. Enabling and protective environments are the way forward 5️⃣ The fight for climate justice isn't just about protecting children's futures - it's about empowering them to shape that future. Let's commit to true partnership with the next generation(s) in addressing climate change and children's access to justice and effective remedies. Looking forward to working together with the Child Friendly Justice European Network (CFJ-EN)! #ClimateJustice #YouthEmpowerment #ChildRights #CFJENSeminar2024 #ClimateAction